Latest news with #ThamesWater
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fears of 'water rationing' without controversial reservoir, government claims
Oxfordshire campaigners against plans for a mega reservoir near Abingdon have dismissed government claims Britain will face water shortages. Water Minister Emma Hardy warned that the country will face 'water rationing like we have in the Mediterranean' without new reservoirs. It comes as controversial plans to start on massive infrastructure projects near Abingdon are pushed ahead by Labour with the South East Strategic Reservoir south west of the town expected to be nearly as big as Gatwick Airport, holding 150 billion litres of water. READ MORE: Murder probe after death of 40-year-old woman in Abingdon The minister suggested that water shortages could hit households and businesses in the next decade if the government fails to build new artificial lakes as she unveiled plans to speed up the planning approvals process. Abingdon Reservoir has been a controversial project for more than a decade (Image: Thames Water) The government plans to bring in legislation that make reservoir proposals 'nationally significant' in terms of planning, giving ministers, rather than local councils, the final say on whether projects go ahead. At the same time, Environment Secretary Steve Reed intervened to bring two projects planned in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire into the 'nationally significant' category. Flash Sale Alert! 🌟 Dive deeper into the stories that shape Oxfordshire with Oxford Mail. Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80 per cent fewer ads on our site. 🗞️ 👇#StayInformed — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 26, 2025 But campaigners against the Abingdon project said the changes were for nothing. READ MORE: Abingdon locals 'worried' as Abbey Gardens shut by police Derek Stork, spokesperson for Group Against Reservoir Development or GARD, said: 'This statement is just the government trying to look as though it is taking action, when really it's not taking action at all. 'These reservoirs, as is the case with the SESRO proposal, were already nationally significant projects so won't be sped-up.' Water minister Emma Hardy meets schoolchildren (Image: West Oxfordshire District Council) Mr Stork said that the government already took control of the Abingdon reservoir project by approving the development consent order, to allow the £2.7million project to go ahead without a public enquiry. GARD, along with organisations Safer Waters and CPRE Oxfordshire, will be appealing this decision at a High Court judicial review hearing, scheduled for two days starting June 26. READ MORE: Red Arrows to fly over Oxfordshire: When and where to watch Mr Stork said: 'We started off opposing this reservoir, but what we've got round to is the system is just totally not fit for purpose. That's why we're taking the government to court. This reservoir is only symptomatic of what's wrong with the system.' 'We think the way these mega projects are proposed and analysed is totally wrong. We can't find valid justifications for it – because they aren't there. 'A successful public inquiry into against the biggest project is what's going to change the government's thinking about this. 'By winning the public inquiry we hope not only to defeat SESRO, but also to change the system. That decision would really resonate.' READ MORE: Police urge public to avoid popular Oxfordshire park Current plans are for the reservoir to be delivered by Thames Water to supply water in the southeast. This is the second attempt at building the mega reservoir, after an attempt under the Conservative government failed following a public enquiry in 2010. Thames Water previously said it 'welcomes the government's plans to improve infrastructure across the region'.
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Thames Water shortlisted for string of awards before being hit with £122.7m fine
The debt-ridden water firm was this week slapped with the huge penalty by watchdog Ofwat after breaking rules on sewage and dividend payouts - after being shortlisted for 12 industry awards Shamed Thames Water was shortlisted for a string of awards before being hit with a record £122.7 million fine. The debt-ridden firm was this week slapped with the watchdog penalty after breaking rules on sewage and dividend payouts. But we can reveal the disgraced company was earlier picked as a finalist no fewer than 14 times at an industry awards ceremony being held next month in Birmingham. It comes as footage shows the beleaguered firm's boss moaning about regulator Ofwat before sitting back relaxing watching cricket at work. The Water Industry Awards features a drinks reception, three-course dinner, as well as post-ceremony celebrations – with carriages at 1am. 'Platinum' tables for ten are priced at nearly £6,000 and include wine as well as a choice of either champagne or beer. There is even port to go with a cheese board and crackers. Single spots for the awards, said to feature 'a high-profile presenter', cost as much as £599 each. The Lib Dems ' Environment spokesperson Tim Farron said: "The last thing Thames Water deserves is a medal and it is completely scandalous that they are being praised after another shockingly bad year for the failing company which has just been fined for sewage pollution and payout breaches. Customers deserve affordable bills, clean waters and well maintained infrastructure. Thanks to Thames Water's incompetence, this is far from what customers get. Instead of prizes, the government should put Thames Water into special administration to manage their mountain of debt, and turn it into a public benefit company, so that customers finally start to see some value for money." CEO of charity River Action, James Wallace, added: 'It's frankly bizarre for Thames Water to be basking in awards season while our rivers are still full of human waste. We're not killjoys and when the pollution stops, we'll be the first to applaud. But celebration must follow accountability, not distraction from a record-breaking environmental failure.' And Green MP Ellie Chowns said of Thames Water: 'If there was an awards category for sheer cheek, they would be runaway winners. As long as private companies profit while polluting our waterways, this will keep happening.' A probe into Thames' sewage treatment works found "a series of failures by the company to build, maintain and operate adequate infrastructure," water regulator Ofwat said. The money must be paid by Thames and its investors, not customers, the watchdog added. The penalty is broken down into £104.5 million for the sewage investigation, plus £18.2 million for breaking rules over dividend payments. Earlier this week, Ofwat's chief executive David Black said: "This is a clear-cut case where Thames Water has let down its customers and failed to protect the environment." In stark contrast, Thames Water is a finalist in a dozen categories at the next month's awards – including three times for alliance or partnership of the year. It is also a finalist in the circular economy, customer initiative, groundbreaker, health and safety initiative, wastewater innovation project and leakage initiative categories. Other categories it is a finalist in include digitalisation project, asset management initiative, net zero carbon initiative, smart water networks, and water efficiency project. The footage of Thames Water boss Chris Weston watching cricket featured in a behind-the-scenes BBC documentary aired earlier this year. The CEO complains about "invasive" regulator Ofwat before viewing a clip of England playing while he sits at an office desk. 'They're getting more and more interested and intrusive around dividends… it's quite surprising,' he says. He adds: 'I think they have all the powers they need. But then I would say that, wouldn't I?' The camera then cuts to show him clicking a mouse to enjoy a cricket clip on the computer screen in front of him. Mr Weston is shown enlarging the footage full-screen so he can watch before relaxing back into his chair. Water firms have faced public outrage over the extent of pollution, rising bills, high dividends, and executive pay and bonuses. Thames hiked consumer water bills for its 16 million customers by an average of 31% in April. A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We are delighted to see our colleagues positively recognised for the work they do 24/7 to keep taps flowing and toilets flushing by being shortlisted for… industry awards, demonstrating our commitment to deliver life's essential service. "It is important that we recognise our people so that we can continue to retain talent in our industry. Over the next five years we will deliver a record amount of investment to address our ageing infrastructure as we remain focused on turning around our performance to deliver for customers, communities and the environment.'
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Grand Wiltshire home of former Prime Minister gets top award
A former Prime Minister's home has been been recognised as one of the top visitor attractions in the country. Arundells, the former home of Conservative leader Sir Edward Heath, has been awarded VisitEngland's Quality Assured Visitor Attraction status. The historic house, located in Cathedral Close, Salisbury, was given an overall quality score of 86 per cent following its first inspection by VisitEngland. The house was described as "unexpectedly captivating" with a "refreshingly personal and authentic" atmosphere and "immersive charm." Read more: Why Thames Water was hit with record breaking fine by Ofwat The volunteers were also praised for their warmth and knowledge. The report also highlighted the well-maintained gardens, preserved interiors, and the unique opportunity to step into the private world of one of Britain's former Prime Ministers. Luke Futcher, events and marketing manager at Arundells, said: "We are delighted to receive this national recognition from VisitEngland. "It reflects the care and commitment of our staff and volunteers, and the distinctive, high-quality experience we strive to offer every visitor." This recognition adds to a successful year for Arundells. Earlier in 2025, the house achieved Arts Council England Accredited Museum status, and in the spring, it won the Visitor Experience Award at the Salisbury Business Excellence Awards. Arundells was originally a medieval canonry, with the first recorded occupant being Henry of Blunston, Archdeacon of Dorset, who lived there from 1291 until his death in 1316. The house has seen many occupants over the centuries, including Leonard Bilson, who was pilloried and imprisoned for acts of sorcery and magic in 1571, and Sir Richard Mompesson, who undertook major restoration works in 1609. The name "Arundells" comes from James Everard Arundell, son of the 6th Lord Arundell, who married John Wyndham's daughter, Ann. The Arundells were a distinguished Roman Catholic family. Read more: Building 700 homes at old golf course 'best option' for the area Arundells hosted the Godolphin Girls School (and later a boys boarding school) between 1839 and 1844. During the Second World War, the house was used by the Red Cross as a centre for their library service and as a wool depot. The property fell into disrepair and demolition was considered following a long period of neglect. Extensive refurbishment works were undertaken by Mr and Mrs Robert Hawkings in 1964. Sir Edward Heath, who lived at Arundells from 1985 until his death in 2005, bequeathed the house to the Charitable Foundation set up in his name. He wanted as many people as possible to "share the beauty of Arundells" and enjoy his diverse and personal collection of artwork, photographs, sailing memorabilia and political cartoons.
Telegraph
17 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Thames Water tells customers to ‘fix leaky loos' amid hosepipe ban fears
Thames Water has told customers to 'fix leaky loos' amid fears of a hosepipe ban caused by the unusually dry spring weather. The water company has written to households urging them to 'be mindful' about water usage, but stopped short of implementing a hosepipe ban despite Britain facing its driest spring in 69 years. Thames Water, which provides water to 16 million people across London and the south of England, told customers to 'avoid wasting water and fix leaky loos and dripping taps as soon as you can'. It said doing so would allow the company to keep reservoirs full and make sure there would be enough water to withstand dry periods. It comes as five regions across the north of England were moved to drought status by the Environment Agency (EA) because reservoirs and rivers are at such low levels. On Thursday, the EA moved Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Cumbria, and Lancashire from 'prolonged dry weather' to drought status, with reservoirs and rivers at low levels. 'A hosepipe ban is certainly possible' The decision indicated a looming hosepipe ban, according to Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, who said: 'Putting the North West into a drought status tells the water company they need to start putting into place their drought action plan. 'That will include telling people to use their water in a more conservative way, to be mindful. A hosepipe ban is certainly possible, that is the way it is looking.' She added that without 'steady, constant rainfall for a good couple of months', a hosepipe ban was 'on the horizon'. Thames Water has no plans for a hosepipe ban at this stage, The Telegraph understands. A spokesman for the firm said: 'April 2025 saw significantly less rain than the year before, and we do encourage customers to use water wisely through the spring and summer months. 'Our water resources are in a healthy place ahead of this summer, as rainfall was above average through the winter months. Of note, our reservoir levels are at 95 per cent. Groundwater levels also remain above average for this time of year for most of the areas in which we operate. 'We all have a role to play when it comes to saving water. It is a precious resource, and we need to value it, which is why we are asking everyone to play their part in reducing use.' The last hosepipe ban was introduced by South East Water in June 2023 and affected people in Kent and Sussex. In 2022, a drought and a series of record heatwaves led five water companies to impose a ban on a total of 19 million customers to ensure drinking and wastewater services were prioritised. Chris Weston, Thames Water's chief executive, said the company had learnt the lessons from that summer, when it was reported that it came 'dangerously close' to running out of water.
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Thames Water Enters Key Month to Hammer Out Terms of Rescue Deal
Thames Water's financial rescue is entering a decisive month, as suitors haggle over creditor losses and the future of the indebted utility. US infrastructure giant KKR & Co. and a group of the company's creditors including Silver Point Capital and Elliott Management are due to submit their plans for fixing Thames to regulator Ofwat by the end of Friday. Negotiations are expected to run throughout June with agreement in summer — but for that, the successful bidder will need to cut a deal with the debtholders that currently control the company on the scope of their losses.
