Network rail sends thousands offline
Cables used by internet providers damaged
INTERNET users in Uxbridge have seen their connection restored six days after Network Rail work brought down broadband services to parts of the area.
However, as the Uxbridge Gazette went to press, reports online suggest the connection is still down in West Drayton and Yiewsley and residents have been told there is ‘no timescale’ for when it will be fixed. In the early hours of Wednesday October 19 Network Rail work damaged cables used by a number internet providers, leaving many Uxbridge and West Drayton residents without connection over the weekend.
The BT online fault tracker said: “Openreach continue to work towards restoring service with specialist engineers focusing on repairing and connecting damaged cables.
“No estimated repair time is given although Openreach have advised this is likely to take a number of days for everything to be fully back in service.”
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We are sorry that we have caused people problems with their phone and Internet connections. While work was taking place in the early hours of Wednesday morning we damaged cables which are used by a number of different communications providers.
“The cables were not highlighted in the thorough surveys we carried out prior to the work.
“We are working to help BT’s Openreach division get connections back up and running as soon as possible.”
A spokesperson for Openreach said: “Our engineers have been working round the clock and throughout the weekend to get full service restored.
“However, due to the proximity of our cables and ducts to the railway line, repair work has been more complex than usual.
“We’ve started to get some homes and business in the area back online and will continue to work non-stop to complete the rest of the work over the coming days.”
The spokesperson added: “We understand this loss of telephone and broadband service is extremely frustrating for local residents and would like to thank them for their patience.
“We’re working with the council and Network Rail to get things back up and running as soon as possible.”