Dragon Interview: Bramley Councillor Gives Update on Fuel Leak Clean Up

Published on: 27 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 29 Sep, 2024

The problems at Bramley following an underground fuel leak from a petrol station persist and in recent weeks have been gaining the attention of the national media.

The Bramley situation has been the subject of articles in several national newspapers including The Times and The Telegraph (above) as well as The Guardian and Daily Mail and broadcasters the BBC, ITV and Times Radio.

Dragon editor Martin Giles caught up with ward councillor Jane Austin (Con, Bramley & Wonersh) to get an update of the situation.

Cllr Austin was keen to point out that while the ongoing problems were serious some things had improved, the village was surviving and community spirit remained strong. Perhaps it had even grown stronger in adversity. But more remedial action and compensation is required.

Responses to Dragon Interview: Bramley Councillor Gives Update on Fuel Leak Clean Up

Clive Martin Reply

September 28, 2024 at 6:32 pm

Another great article from the Guildford Dragon’s Martin Giles and ward councillor Jane Austin about the ongoing Bramley fuel leak. As usual, Jane Austin is fighting hard on behalf of Bramley’s beleaguered residents in this continuing drama. Well done Jane!

As I understand it, Waverley Borough Council(WBC) has now conceded that, despite previous denials, the matter should have been properly reported to the appropriate enforcing authorities at the time that the fuel pipeline damage was done, as that was a legal requirement so to do. The Health and Safety Executive have now confirmed to WBC that it should have been reported under the RIDDOR regulations (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).

Speaking as “a man on the Clapham omnibus,” I am unsure of the exact significance of this volt-face from WBC, but it must surely strengthen the case for realistic compensation levels to be paid to both residents and businesses that have been adversely affected in this ongoing and lengthy disaster.
Olly Azad Reply

September 29, 2024 at 11:58 pm

The extensive coverage given by The Guildford Dragon NEWS from the fallout of the fuel contamination in Bramley is noteworthy indeed. Furthermore, I was delighted to find that national media outlets have recently been “on board” highlighting the plight of residents and businesses who have been so badly impacted by this disaster.

I hope that local councillor Jane Austen, together with local MP and former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt continue to work for the betterment of the villagers of Bramley and will “take to task” any companies that are found to be uncaring or obstructing in the path of justice.