Villages launch their own survey on reservoir

People living near a proposed new reservoir are being asked to give their views in an independent survey.

Parish councils from eight villages have teamed up to launch the four-week survey about Thames Water's planned White Horse Reservoir, near Abingdon, in Oxfordshire.

They say communities affected by the scheme need a stronger chance to give evidence about its local impact, from traffic and flooding, to chalk streams and wildlife.

Thames Water has said the reservoir will secure water supplies for 15 million people in the south east of England.

The 150-billion-litre reservoir is estimated to cost up to £7.5bn, and Thames Water plans to apply for planning permission by the end of the year.

The survey is independent of the water company and is open to supporters, opponents and those who are undecided.

Councillor Sally Whiteman, who represents Steventon and the Hanneys, said: "This is fundamentally about making sure local people are heard.

"Individual villages will experience those impacts differently, but by working collectively we can build a much clearer picture of what residents actually think."

The parishes taking part are Steventon, East Hanney, Marcham, Drayton, Sutton Courtenay, Milton, Harwell and East Hendred.

Results will be sent to Thames Water and shared with Oxfordshire County Council and Vale of White Horse District Council.

In August, Thames Water said 89% of 2,004 adults it surveyed across the South East saw the reservoir as important to safeguarding future water supplies.

Campaign group GARD said its petition of 8,000 signatures was more representative of people's views.

The parish survey opened on Monday, and paper copies will be made available for those who cannot complete it online.