We Urgently Need Your Help!

Can you spare the time to complete a questionnaire?  A new reservoir near Abingdon, known as the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), has been proposed by several water companies.  If the reservoir is built, the Wilts & Berks Canal and its locks must be restored around the reservoir.  Now, we need to ensure that the canal runs between the reservoir site and the River Thames.

An emergency discharge channel is required to enable the reservoir to be drained down quickly and safely.  SESRO is currently proposing an emergency discharge tunnel deep underground (known as SESRO’s option C), but this will bring no benefit whatsoever to the local community.

Alternatively, the emergency discharge channel could incorporate the canal line and run above ground from the reservoir, under the A34 and to the River Thames (option B).  This would serve the same purpose as an underground tunnel, but bring with it significant economic, wellbeing and biodiversity benefit to the local community.

Please reply to the SESRO consultation now to make it clear that you want the emergency discharge to be above ground and to be an integral part of the restored Wilts & Berks Canal.

To do this, please respond to the SESRO consultation as follows:

1. Please visit https://thames-wrmp.co.uk/sesro
   
   
2. Scroll down to the Public Consultation section, and click Complete Questionnaire
   
   
3. Answer each question that appears on the screen
   
   
4. When you reach the following question:
   
   We have considered several options for the emergency discharge and Option C is SESRO’s preferred option. Do you have any comments on these plans?
   
   Please respond as follows, or use your own words to make a similar point:
   
   “I disagree with the proposed option C, which will provide no public benefit.  Option B (an open channel) should be used instead, incorporating the Wilts & Berks Canal.  Option B will provide significant economic, wellbeing and environmental benefits.  A reconstructed Wilts & Berks Canal and towpath will link the proposed reservoir to Abingdon as a sustainable transport route for walking, cycling and boating.  The canal will expand the blue-green infrastructure in Oxfordshire and provide new habitats for endangered species like water voles”.

Thank you for your support.