Steventon - Proposed Reservoir

Speech by Cllr Zoe Patrick delivered to County Council on Tue 7th Nov 2006

This massive reservoir proposed by Thames Water within a few miles of my division of Grove and Wantage has been a cloud hanging over us for some time. Housing pressures both locally and nationally have made the case even more pressing, and there has been an air of certainty that this will happen either sooner or later. I have attended all the briefings, and exhibitions have been held locally for residents to attend. This, I guess is part of a "consultation" process being undertaken, but as we all know the Compulsory Works Order will be agreed nationally on such a project and we shall have very little influence on the matter. However, I would hope that the Cabinet, on behalf of residents within the catchment area and beyond will use this opportunity to send a very clear message that we feel that Thames Water must take serious action on addressing its appalling leakage record which has hit the news both locally and nationally. Anyone who saw the Panorma programme where BBC presenters were trying to gain access to directors of RWE the German international company who own Thames, will be in no doubt that loyalties lie much more with addressing share bonuses than dealing with the concerns of their customers.

The climatic impact of this "inland sea", which will measure 4 square miles and will have bunds rising to 80 feet high (so Keith understands!) will have a huge impact both locally and environmentally. Locally, the area will be vast and such a large amount of water will cause a greater affect on local climate. For example, fogs will take longer to lift which could have a massive impact on local roads and indeed on the A34. This road is already causing problems for us as it is a huge accident blackspot, and constantly the cause of much congestion and traffic delays, surely this will be made far worse if there is an increased chance of fog remaining for longer. Also in the summer, we have been told there will certainly be an increase in midges and mosquitos, again not something that local residents will welcome.

What also worries me, is the environmental impact the huge bunds surrounding it to contain the reservoir will have locally - what will this look like both close by and when viewed from the Ridgeway? Also, Thames Water say that they would like this reservoir to become an international sailing centre - again what affect will this have on local traffic coming in from all over the country, some towing boats into the area? Housing development locally is already causing a strain on our local roads, so we do not need more traffic.

We have had a hosepipe ban over the summer, and we re well aware of the effects of drought on our local brooks and streams including the wildlife. However, what the hosepipe ban has taught us as residents is how to conserve water and indeed, we have been told that many people have contributed to this - and this must be a good thing. Indeed, we must go further and ensure new housing developments as part of the eco-friendly building regulations, ensure they have measures to retain and conserve water, and have water meters fitted as a matter of course. But what we must not forget is that all this is very difficult for us to swallow whilst Thames Water continues to have one of the worst records for fixing its water leaks, and this does not appear to be addressed. So this must be done urgently.

Finally, concerns have been expressed many times by residents about how aggregate and other building materials will be brought into the area. Although Thames Water have said this will be done by rail, I am unsure how and where this will take place, given the feedback we have been receiving on the re-opening of Grove station. This must be addressed because there will be increased amounts of heavy traffic on our roads for many years whilst this building work is undertaken, and we must have assurances that the local area can cope.

I am sure that other local members will be making their concerns known to you today, so please listen to us and make our collective views known.