Cadent Gas Limited were successfully prosecuted by Kensington and Chelsea Council for carrying out unsafe works in the borough.
Following a hearing on Wednesday 4 December at Westminster Magistrates Court, District Judge Pilling said, Cadent had fallen short of their expectations to ensure the area in Ladbroke Grove was safe for the public. They were fined a total of £133,334 and ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £5,725 towards the Council’s legal costs.
On Tuesday 10 October 2023, Cadent Gas Limited carried out footway works at the junction of Ladbroke Grove and Oxford Gardens to vent a gas leak in the area but did not enclose the open manhole safely. The exposed area caused an elderly member of the public to trip and fall resulting in head and leg injuries. The Council brought charges against Cadent Gas Limited after an eyewitness had reported the incident to the Council.
On Friday 26 January 2024, the Council’s Street Works Compliance officer visited Onslow Square in South Kensington and found Cadent Gas operatives working in the carriageway who failed to ensure that the works area was fully enclosed with a continuous barrier system and put members of public at risk.
Cllr Cem Kemahli, lead member for planning and public realm, said: “The safety and well-being of our residents is our absolute priority, and, in this case, Cadent Gas failed to prioritise safety measures and put members of the public at risk.
“This prosecution sends out a clear message to anyone carrying works in our borough that safety must always come first, and we will take necessary steps to hold those responsible.”
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