New fears over Abingdon reservoir plans

Thames Water said the reservoir is one of its long-term options to provide additional water

Residents have expressed fears that rejected plans for a £1bn reservoir near their homes in Oxfordshire may still be on the table.

Thames Water's proposals to build a site on four square miles of land near Abingdon were refused by the government in 2011.

The company says while no decisions have been made, the reservoir is still a possible long-term option.

Glynn Davies, from Steventon, said he feared for the area's natural beauty.

Mr Davies, who is worried his house will border the reservoir, added: "This is a huge natural amenity that we have round here, existing houses with a lot of historic past.

'Enormous amount of hoops'

"Going for a reservoir is the most expensive solution."

Derek Stork, from the Group Against Reservoir Development (Gard), said: "It's millions of tonnes being taken off site, and millions of tonnes of concrete being brought on.

"Much sooner than that we can fix the leaks... we believe the transfer of water from the Severn to the Thames area, and reuse of water in the London area, are much better, much cheaper options."

Ed Vaizey, the MP for Didcot and Wantage, told the BBC any reservoir should be a "very, very last resort".

He added that the company "would have to jump through an enormous amount of hoops before they convince me that they need it".

Thames Water said: "Over the next 10 years we aim to provide almost all of the additional water our customers will need... including substantial reductions in leakage.

"To meet demand in the longer term we are looking at a wide range of strategic options... each has pros and cons and we do not yet know which will be selected for our next water resources management plan, due in 2019."