Agenda item

This item was deferred from the meeting held on 30January 2024, minute no. P16 refers.

Members heard from Mr Courts MP who expressed his willingness to support Witney Town Council, its members and residents with any difficulties being experienced with the services provide by Thames Water. He also provided an update on the future of Thames Water and the work planned to improve the Witney Sewage Treatment Works to reduce the pollution of Colwell Brook.

Mr Courts also commended Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP) for the excellent work they had done to highlight the issues and welcomed the continuation on pressuring Thames Water to improve their practices.

All parties present agreed on the importance of working together, one example which was highlighted by the Leader of the council was to fully explore the infrastructure options to mitigate further flooding when further housing developments and road projects were under consideration, such as the potential North Witney development and West End Link Road.

The representative from WASP outlined the work they had undertaken over the years to highlight in particular the pollution of the waterways however, he was keen to reiterate the need to work together to apply pressure and explained how pleased he was to see this in practice following the Environment Agency’s objection to further development in South Oxfordshire until improvements are made to the Sewage Treatment Works in that area.

He went on to ask that the Council help “drive change” and consider highlighting the issue to residents of pollution further by way of signage along Colwell Brook.

The Chair thanked Mr Courts, representatives from WASP and all others present for their attendance to discuss such an important topic.

Resolved:

1. That, the verbal representations from all parties be noted.
2. That, the Council considers erecting pollution signage in the vicinity of Colwell Brook