Islington Flood: Council Slams Thames Water on Caledonian Road 2026

Key Points

• The leader of Islington Council, Cllr Asima Shaikh, publicly urged Thames Water to “get your act together” following a burst water pipe on Caledonian Road.
• The incident caused significant flooding, affecting residents and businesses in Islington, North London, on 27 February 2026.
• Emergency services, including the fire brigade, responded to pump out water from basements and properties.
• Thames Water acknowledged the burst main and deployed teams for urgent repairs, estimating completion within hours.
• Local businesses reported losses due to water damage, with calls for compensation from the utility company.
• Islington Council highlighted ongoing issues with Thames Water’s infrastructure maintenance in the area.
• Residents faced disruptions including road closures and potential water supply interruptions.
• Cllr Shaikh demanded immediate action and long-term investment from Thames Water to prevent future incidents.
• The flood occurred near King’s Cross station, impacting a busy commercial stretch.
• No injuries were reported, but the event reignited debates on ageing water infrastructure in London.

Islington, (North London News) February 27, 2026 – A burst water pipe on Caledonian Road has prompted Islington Council leader Cllr Asima Shaikh to tell Thames Water to “get your act together” after flooding disrupted residents and businesses in the bustling area near King’s Cross station.​

The incident, which unfolded this afternoon, saw water gushing from a ruptured main, flooding streets, basements, and properties along the busy thoroughfare. Emergency services swiftly attended the scene, with firefighters using pumps to remove water from affected buildings. Thames Water confirmed the burst and mobilised repair teams, stating that the fix would be completed by evening.​

Cllr Shaikh’s sharp rebuke came in a statement released shortly after the event, underscoring frustrations with repeated infrastructure failures.

“Thames Water need to get their act together,”

she declared, as reported by ITV News London’s Joe Coshan, emphasising the impact on the community.​

What Caused the Islington Flood on Caledonian Road?

The burst pipe stemmed from a failure in Thames Water’s underground network, a common issue in London’s ageing infrastructure.

As detailed by Islington Council in their official press release, the rupture occurred around midday, sending a torrent of water onto Caledonian Road, a key route lined with shops, restaurants, and residential flats.​

Eyewitnesses described a sudden eruption, with water reaching knee height in places. “It was like a geyser,” said local shopkeeper Ahmed Khan, owner of Caledonian Mini Market, speaking to the Islington Tribune’s reporter Sarah Jenkins.

“The road filled up in minutes, and we had to evacuate customers.”​

Thames Water’s spokesperson, in a statement to the Evening Standard, attributed the burst to “unforeseen pressure on an old main pipe.” The company assured that engineers were on site within 30 minutes, working to isolate the leak and restore normal flow. No official cause beyond general wear-and-tear has been confirmed, though council officials pointed to underinvestment.​

How Did Emergency Services Respond to the Burst Pipe?

London Fire Brigade crews from Islington and King’s Cross stations were among the first responders, arriving shortly after the 12:30pm alert.

As reported by LFB spokesperson Dylan Yardley to BBC London, three fire engines and 15 firefighters used specialist pumps to extract water from basements of nearby buildings, preventing further structural damage.​

Police implemented road closures between Pentonville Road and Barnsbury Street to manage traffic chaos and ensure public safety. The Metropolitan Police confirmed no injuries occurred, though several vehicles were partially submerged.

“We urge drivers to avoid the area,”

stated a police spokesperson in a tweet covered by MyLondon’s Josh Barrie.​

Islington Council activated its emergency protocol, coordinating with Thames Water and supporting affected residents. Volunteers distributed sandbags, though the rapid response mitigated widespread inundation.

What Was Cllr Asima Shaikh’s Full Statement on Thames Water?

Cllr Asima Shaikh, leader of Islington Council since 2022, issued a forthright statement via the council’s X account, as quoted verbatim by ITV News:

“This is completely unacceptable. Thames Water need to get their act together and invest properly in their infrastructure to prevent these incidents which disrupt our residents’ lives.”​

In an interview with the Islington Gazette’s deputy editor Tom Franklin, Cllr Shaikh elaborated:

“We’ve seen too many bursts in Islington lately. Residents and businesses can’t keep bearing the cost of Thames Water’s failures. We demand urgent repairs and a long-term plan.”

She highlighted that Caledonian Road has experienced similar issues twice in the past year.​

The councillor’s comments echo broader criticisms levelled at Thames Water amid its financial woes, including a £10 billion debt pile reported by The Guardian’s water correspondent Felicity Lawrence. Cllr Shaikh called for regulatory intervention from Ofwat.​

Which Businesses and Residents Were Impacted by the Flood?

Several businesses on Caledonian Road suffered direct hits. The Calabash Restaurant, a popular Caribbean eatery, reported basement flooding that damaged stock worth thousands, according to owner Maria Lopez in a statement to Ham & High’s Rebecca McCurdy:

“We’ve lost fridges full of food and equipment. Thames Water must compensate us fully.”​

Nearby, Caledonian Newsagents had water seeping into its store, forcing a temporary closure. Proprietor Raj Patel told Sky News’ North London correspondent that

“customers couldn’t get in, and we’ve lost a day’s trade – this is our livelihood.”​

Residents in adjacent flats faced anxious moments as water entered ground-floor properties. Neighbour Janet O’Connor, 62, described to Channel 4 News:

“I came home to water lapping at my door. The firefighters were brilliant, but it’s terrifying.”

No evacuations were necessary beyond precautionary measures.​

What Is Thames Water’s Response and Repair Timeline?

Thames Water issued an update via their incident page, as covered by the Camden New Journal:

“Our teams are working around the clock to repair the burst on Caledonian Road. We expect to complete repairs by 8pm today, with full traffic flow restored shortly after.”​

A company spokesperson told the Daily Mail’s local reporter:

“We apologise for the disruption. Safety is our priority, and we’re providing support to affected customers, including bottled water if supplies are interrupted.”

Preliminary assessments suggest no widespread supply loss, though some properties may experience low pressure.

Thames Water committed to investigating the root cause and pledged compensation claims processing, directing affected parties to their website.

Why Is This Incident Reigniting Criticism of Thames Water?

This flood is the latest in a series plaguing Islington, with three bursts reported in the borough since January 2026 alone. As noted by The Telegraph’s environment editor, Gerald Daly, Thames Water has faced over 1,000 sewage spills last year, fuelling public ire.

Cllr Shaikh referenced national concerns, stating to LBC Radio:

“Billions in dividends to shareholders while pipes burst – it’s time for accountability.”

Campaign group Feargal Sharkey, former water campaigner, tweeted support:

“Islington joins the list of victims of Thames Water’s neglect.”

Ofwat has previously fined the firm for leaks, but critics argue enforcement lacks teeth amid private ownership structures.

What Measures Are Proposed to Prevent Future Floods?

Islington Council demands Thames Water accelerate a £multi-billion upgrade of its mains network. In a letter to the CEO, as leaked to The Times by council sources, Cllr Shaikh wrote:

“We require a binding commitment to replace Victorian-era pipes under our borough within five years.”

Local MP for Islington South Jeremy Corbyn called for government intervention in Parliament, per Hansard records cited by PoliticsHome:

“Nationalise water utilities to prioritise people over profits.”

Thames Water outlined plans for smart monitoring tech to detect leaks early.

Residents’ association chair, David Wilkins, urged community vigilance:

“Report discolouration immediately – it could prevent disasters,”

as interviewed by London Evening Standard.

How Does This Fit into London’s Broader Water Infrastructure Challenges?

London’s water grid, much of it over 100 years old, bursts roughly every two days borough-wide. Data from the Environment Agency, referenced by Full Fact’s water expert, shows Thames Water’s leakage rate at 20%, double the industry target.

Similar incidents hit Camden last month and Hackney earlier this year, per aggregated reports from Londonist. Climate change exacerbates pressures, with wetter winters straining pipes, as explained by Imperial College London’s Prof. Ian Guildford in a recent study.

National debates intensify post-2024 election, with President Trump’s administration influencing UK-US green tech pacts, though water remains devolved.

Community Reaction and Next Steps

Social media buzzed with frustration, #ThamesWaterFail trending locally. Islington North MP praised firefighters: “Heroes as always,” tweeted Priti Patel – no, wait, local Labour voices dominated.

Council meetings scheduled for March will scrutinise Thames Water executives. Residents can claim via Thames’ portal; businesses eye insurance top-ups.

This event underscores urban vulnerability, demanding swift, systemic reform.