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Wallingford Town Council has taken a decisive stance against Thames Water by passing a unanimous vote of no confidence, citing decades of unacceptable environmental damage, mismanagement, and failures in addressing critical water infrastructure issues.
The resolution follows the initial move by Henley Town Council with Witney and other local councils following suit, amplifying growing dissatisfaction across the region. The motion highlights Thames Water’s continued failure to prevent untreated sewage discharges into local waterways, including those impacting Wallingford, which has recently been granted Bathing Water Status for its iconic Wallingford Beach.
Key Concerns Raised:
- Sewage Pollution:
- Untreated sewage has been released into Wallingford’s waterways for over 20 years.
- Recent spills have caused devastating impacts, with sewage backflowing into residents’ homes last Christmas.
- Inadequate Infrastructure:
- The Benson and North Moreton sewage works have been overwhelmed during rainfall, leading to consistent overflows.
- Poor maintenance and insufficient investment have contributed to illegal dry spills and environmental degradation.
- Health and Environmental Risks:
- Illnesses linked to water pollution are rising, posing serious health risks.
- Wallingford’s newly designated Bathing Water received a poor water quality rating, undermining efforts to make the river safe for recreational use.
- Systemic Failures:
- Thames Water’s privatisation has resulted in financial instability, mismanagement, and decades of underinvestment.
- Requests for a 44% increase in consumer bills over the next five years are seen as exploitative and unjustifiable.
A Call for Change:
The Council has called for direct government intervention and is advocating for renationalisation of Thames Water to restore accountability and ensure vital infrastructure is adequately maintained. In their resolution, Wallingford Town Council stated:
“Thames Water’s sewerage service is beyond inadequate. With illnesses on the rise, bringing serious risk of death, administrative change is needed. Decades of mismanagement have left our waterways polluted and our communities vulnerable. Renationalisation is the only sustainable solution.”
Broader Regional Impact:
This vote of no confidence sends a clear message that communities are no longer willing to accept substandard service. Wallingford joins a growing coalition of councils demanding urgent action to address water pollution, protect public health, and ensure the preservation of local environments.
Read the Letter in Full : Vote Of No Confidence Thames Water