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Village Fights Massive Reservoir Project
4 Jan
Summary
- A large reservoir is proposed between Steventon and East Hanney.
- Locals fear flooding, loss of farmland, and wildlife habitat destruction.
- The project is part of a £7.9bn government plan for new reservoirs.
In the English village of Steventon, Oxfordshire, a significant debate is unfolding over Thames Water's proposal to construct a vast water storage facility. The planned Abingdon reservoir, intended to secure water for 15 million people, has ignited local opposition over potential flooding and the loss of valuable farmland and wildlife habitats. Despite government backing, viewing the reservoir as vital to prevent shortages by the mid-2030s, residents question the £7.5bn project's necessity.
Led by Derek Stork, chairman of Group Against Reservoir Development, locals argue the plan is "stupid, dangerous and costly," proposing alternative solutions. Steventon, with its 1,500 residents, finds itself at the forefront of a national initiative to build nine new reservoirs by 2050, aiming to supply an additional 670 million litres of water daily.
The government has committed £7.9bn to these reservoir projects, emphasizing their urgency. However, concerns persist that the Abingdon reservoir proposal is being advanced too quickly, without adequate consideration of its multifaceted impacts on the local community and environment.
