Locals split as giant reservoir plans go on show

The UK's largest water company has launched its public consultation into plans to build a reservoir to supply 15 million people

People have had the chance to grill Thames Water over its proposed new reservoir near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

The first of a series of face-to-face public consultation sessions has taken place at Didcot Civic Hall.

Plans, models and a virtual simulator gave people the chance to find out more about the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, or SESRO, which would provide water for 15 million people in the region, including Southern Water customers.

The 11-week consultation about the controversial project, with an estimated cost of between £5.5bn and £7.5bn, runs until 13 January.

John Aldridge is worried about the disruption the building of the reservoir would cause in local towns and villages

For Thames Water customers it was a chance to learn more about the proposal which, if approved, could begin construction in 2029.

The scale of the project, roughly the same size as Gatwick airport, was a concern for some.

John Aldridge, from Didcot, said: "If it does go ahead it's going to have an effect on the local people - the villages and towns and things. It's going to be a lot of disruption for a while with this going on."

Others questioned the location as well as voicing concerns about disruption.

"I'm not convinced it's in the right place," said Liz Morris, from Chilton.

"I'm worried about the incredible upheaval for the building of it. Mainly I'm not sure that this is the right place for it."

Alison Jessup was one of many attending the first formal public consultation in Didcot

But there was also support, with one resident recognising growing pressures on water supplies.

"I'm actually in favour of it," said Phillip-Johnson, from Didcot.

"We've got an increasing number of houses being built, as you've no doubt noticed driving in, and we need water for all those people."

Others expressed frustration about the length of time the project was taking whilst recognising local concern.

"It's just change people don't like change - people like things to stay as they are," said Alison Jessup, from Didcot.

"And obviously it's been rumbling on for a lot of years so you tend to think if you're going to do it let's get on with it and actually get the benefit from it."

The consultation includes seven in-person events in Abingdon, Wantage and Didcot this month, as well as two online webinars.

Thames Water is hoping to apply for planning consent from the government in autumn 2026.

It says comments from the consultation would "directly inform" its application.

Leonie Dubois, from Thames Water, said it was the first time the public could come through the door and see the full extent of the plans

"Every single response... will be read and be poured over by the team," according to Leonie Dubois from Thames Water.

"As a result of our previous consultations we have made changes.

"So for instance we've included a channel for the Wilts & Berks Canal which was a direct result of feedback that we heard last time."

With Thames Water's financial affairs making headlines, questions have been asked about undertaking such an expensive project.

"We understand that obviously customers have concerns about our financial situation and we're all working hard to get the company on a much firmer financial footing.

"But it's business as usual at Thames and investing in the future is part of that business as usual."

Didcot resident Mike Colley is studying environmental management and has a keen interest in the project

And it was the future that one of those attending the exhibition reflected on.

"People have got to accept that we need these large infrastructural projects - and yes it is painful for some," says Mike Collet, from Didcot.

"But like myself who's approaching 60 I probably won't be around by the time the reservoir's finished. But I'm concerned about my children and my grandchildren.

"What sort of world are they growing up in?"