Water Pipe - Fair?

minster67

I am renovating a 4 bed house. The house hasn't been touched for at least 40 years. In replacing the boiler i was told that the property has small lead pipes and so the builders have replaced with new plastic 32mm pipes to the boundary wall.

When i asked Thames Water to replace the pipe to the mains i received a quote for £4100. £2500 for the work and a further £1600 for parking suspensions as they argue they need to dig up half the street (for four days).

I have complained as this seems ridiculous (i think they should do it for free given the pipe hasnt been touched for years). I have phoned the council (Camden) and they say they only do what Thames Water have asked them for.

Any thoughts, suggestions, comments on how I can get around this as i need water and can't afford to pay!