Abingdon reservoir: Thames Water hosts community events on £1bn plans

A water firm is hosting information events for residents about plans for a large new reservoir in Oxfordshire.

Thames Water wants to build the 4.5 sq mile (7 sq km) site near Abingdon.

The proposal - expected to take a decade to complete and cost in excess of £1bn - has previously been described as "destructive" by the county council.

But the firm insists there is support for the scheme and is inviting residents to an event at East Hanney War Memorial Hall at 14:00-20:00 GMT.

A second information event will be hosted between the same times on Wednesday at Steventon Milton Hill House.

The reservoir, between East Hanney and Drayton, is part of Thames Water's regional plans to meet future demands for water, and ensure water systems are resilient to climate change.

Oxfordshire County Council has said the "enormous" project could cause "very significant civil unrest" and that consultation had been "deeply flawed".

But Thames Water said its plans were "ambitious" and would provide up to 271 mega litres of water per day - the equivalent to about three million baths.

Nevil Muncaster, a director at the firm, said: "We need to act now if we are to secure water supply for future generations and remain resilient against the impact of the climate crisis.

"A new reservoir will provide water to 15 million people across the South East and will bring huge social and economic benefits to the area.

"It will be so much more than a place to store water and will have a lasting legacy, creating a space where people can walk, cycle and sail.

"We're inviting customers and communities to find out more about the plans and are hosting two events during November, where they can discover the range of benefits that the reservoir will bring, from new jobs to recreational opportunities."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].