The 'Stupid, Dangerous' Reservoir Plan Sparking Uproar in the Countryside: A Battle Over £7.5bn in Oxfordshire
A proposed £7.5 billion reservoir in Oxfordshire has ignited a heated debate, with locals questioning its necessity and environmental impact. The project, known as Thames Water's 'South East Strategic Reservoir Option', aims to provide a consistent water supply for 15 million people, but concerns are mounting.
Steventon, a quaint village in Oxfordshire, is at the heart of this controversy. The proposed reservoir, located between Steventon and East Hanney, would be the size of Gatwick Airport, raising fears of flooding and habitat loss. Derek Stork, a local resident and chairman of Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD), leads the opposition, arguing that the project is 'stupid, dangerous, and costly' and that alternative solutions exist.
The reservoir is one of nine new facilities the government hopes to build by 2050, with a combined capacity to provide 670 million litres of water daily. However, Stork and other locals fear the project is being rushed through without adequate consideration for potential risks. Concerns include the possibility of a dam failure, as the reservoir will be banked with earth rather than a concrete wall.
Maggie Filipova-Rivers, the local council leader, demands clear guarantees from the government regarding emergency discharge plans. Thames Water, the project's lead, claims a preliminary assessment found no likelihood of accidents, but broader questions arise about the company's ability to deliver and oversee the reservoir, given its poor record in water management and financial struggles.
The debate intensifies as the project's potential impact on local farming, wildlife, and the economy becomes a central concern. Neil Walker, a farmer whose land could be flooded, expresses fear that the reservoir could wipe out three generations of his family's work. The project's scale, equivalent to 5,000 football pitches, has sparked further controversy, with some questioning its necessity.
Despite the opposition, Thames Water views the reservoir as a chance for a reputational boost, promising new jobs and recreational facilities. However, the battle over this reservoir may just be the beginning of a larger 'water war' as similar projects are planned across the country.
