A looming crisis is brewing in Oxfordshire, as plans for a massive reservoir near Abingdon are sparking heated debate and raising serious questions about the future. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Thames Water, aims to supply water to 15 million people in the south east of England. But the proposal is facing fierce opposition from local businesses and politicians.
The crux of the matter? A consultation on the South East Strategic Reservoir Option is concluding this week, and the impact on the local community is immense. Hal Colliver, owner of V1 Flight, an air maintenance and training company located within the proposed reservoir area, fears the plans would be "absolutely devastating" for his business. Relocating his unique facility, he argues, would be "impossible."
But here's where it gets controversial: Thames Water insists the £7.5 billion project is a "vital piece of national water infrastructure." They've received nearly 1,200 responses to their consultation, a critical step before submitting a Development Consent Order application later this year. The reservoir, slated to cover approximately 4.5 square miles (7 sq km) – roughly the size of Gatwick Airport – is expected to be operational by 2040. The costs will be shouldered by customers of Thames Water, Affinity Water, and Southern Water.
Colliver isn't alone in his concerns. He highlights the potential loss of valuable farmland and the displacement of local wildlife. He even suggests that fixing leaks would be a more "cost-effective" solution.
Olly Glover, a Liberal Democrat MP, criticizes Thames Water's focus on "glossy public event consultations" rather than addressing the core issues. He points out the company's "wobbly finances," raising concerns about the project's financial burden. Fellow Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has questioned Thames Water's ability to deliver the project, calling its failure "inevitable."
However, not everyone is against the project. Terry Fuller, chairman of the Institute of Civil Engineers National Reservoir Infrastructure forum, argues that the reservoir is crucial to meet an expected shortfall of nearly 5 billion litres of water a day across England by 2050. He emphasizes the need for drought resilience and acknowledges the impact on the landscape while highlighting the potential for the reservoir to become a valuable resource for the community.
Thames Water's head of engagement, Leonie Dubois, emphasizes the urgency of securing a reliable water supply, especially in the south east. She envisions the reservoir as a source of new jobs, recreational facilities, and a boost to the local economy.
The public consultation ends on Tuesday, and the clock is ticking.
What do you think? Is the reservoir a necessary investment, or a costly mistake? Do you agree with the business owners and politicians raising concerns, or do you side with Thames Water and the need for a reliable water supply? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
