Published: 11 April 2025
JUDICIAL REVIEW: we now have a date for our Judicial Review hearing at the High Court – 25th and 26th June. The High Court Judge has ruled that our claim is ‘significant’ and, as the case is complex, has taken the unusual step of fixing a ‘Rolled Up Hearing’ where the issues of permission and the substance will be considered together on the same two days. The outcome of the hearing will be available in July.
RECENT CAMPAIGN ACTIVITY: the campaign against SESRO continues with vigour.
Meetings: Two meetings were held in March hosted by Sally Povolotsky (to whom many thanks) and GARD, in Drayton and East Hanney.
New: GARD is planning some 40 minute Zoom meetings to introduce people to SESRO issues. The dates and times will be on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abingdonreservoir soon – please share with your friends. You can email gard.secretary@gmail.com for information and to reserve a place.
Publicity: We are placing more posters and banners – please contact the secretary if you would like any of these for your area. We have delivered leaflets to the houses closest to the proposed reservoir area in Steventon and East Hanney (many thanks to the volunteers who have helped with this).
There are plans for an Action Day (Cllr Povolotsky, 5th July probably) and BALLOONS: a helium balloon visual barrier near Hanney (May or June). More ideas? Please email gard.secretary@gmail.com
Online leaflets: Derek Stork (Chairman) has written short explanations answering two questions we are meeting in conversation on the street:
• what is GARD’s view of a smaller reservoir? and
• how the Reservoir’s effect of raising groundwater rise affects the site and the area around it.
If you would like an online copy of either of these, please email gard.secretary@gmail.com
CLAY COMPACTION TRIALS (Thames Water): The planning application to extend working hours on a Saturday has now been withdrawn – all a mystery. The delay because the site was water-logged was no surprise to anyone local, although Thames called it ‘unseasonably poor weather’. We could all explain to them what a flood plain means. The pumping of water and silt into the Cow Common Brook is being investigated.
FUND RAISING: GARD’s sister company SAFERwaterS has financial backing to cover the costs of the Judicial Review process. After that, GARD and SAFERWaterS need to fund themselves. If you would like to donate to GARD’s campaign, the bank transfer details are given below. We are very grateful for the ongoing support of members and supporters.
ASSISTING GARD: we have enlisted some new helpers onto our Campaign and seeing their new ideas is encouraging. If you would like to be more involved and have an idea you would like to try, please get in touch with the Secretary gard.secretary@gmail.com
ACTIONS FOR YOU NOW:
• JOIN GARD if you are not yet a member. Go to the website Abingdon Reservoir – Group Against Reservoir Development and click on Join Us at the top.
• Sign the Petition for a Public Inquiry launched jointly with CPRE Stop Thames Water’s costly mega-reservoir – fix the leaks! | 38 Degrees currently at nearly 6000 names.
• Write to your MP demanding a Public Inquiry
Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage) olly.glover.mp@parliament.uk
Layla Moran MP (Oxford West and Abingdon) layla.moran.mp@parliament.uk
Charlie Maynard MP (West Oxfordshire) charlie.maynard.mp@parliament.uk.
• Contact your local Councillors and Parish Council Chair about the SESRO plans, giving your views (see Abingdon Reservoir – Group Against Reservoir Development for contact details).
• Share GARD’s social media posts (Facebook and Instagram) to your friends, personal contacts and groups.
• Display GARD’s publicity materials. If you can assist with funding printing costs or would like to display material at your home or in your town / village, please contact the Secretary gard.secretary@gmail.com
Please copy GARD into your email letters: gard.secretary@gmail.com
GARD Payment methods for Membership or Donations
Bank transfer to Group Against Reservoir Development Account Number: 71266438 Sort Code: 40-45-36 Please include your name as a reference & email gard.secretary@gmail.com