Thames Water has been ordered to pay more than £80,000 in fines for botched repairs to roads.

The company was fined £82,065 for leaving roads in bad condition after work to maintain pipes.

Enfield Borough Council found that between September 2013, and January 2014, 15 roads had been damaged.

Independent tests also showed that 43 per cent of roads repaired by Thames Water had to be repaired again.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment and community safety Councillor Chris Bond said: “It is completely unacceptable for Thames Water to carry out defective repairs on roads they have dug up and then leave the responsibility to put their botch jobs right with Enfield Council.

"They should use accredited operatives and supervisors to ensure roads are properly reinstated to ensure minimal disruption and aggravation to road users and make sure our roads are fit for use.
 
“We expect very high standards from utility companies when it comes to reinstating our roads. We would prefer to work with them to ensure high standards of work and in the majority of cases there are absolutely no problems with the work carried out.

"When that is not the case we will not hesitate to take firm and decisive action to address poor performance, including legal proceedings if necessary.”