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MP Laura Farris blasts Thames Water over ‘intolerable’ sewage discharge situation in Lambourn




The Lambourn Valley has suffered from severe flooding despite attempts to alleviate the problem in recent years.

Among the issues have been

  • flooding at Lower Denford threatening to enter homes
  • sewage pumping out of a manhole and going straight into the river at Oxford Street in Lambourn
  • speeding traffic in Eastbury, where flood volunteers have been digging out ditches and placing warning signs and bollards in an attempt to slow vehicles
  • an emergency road closure in Eastbury: due to a section of road surface lifting and breaking up West Berkshire Council highways have implemented an emergency road closure at the western end of the village to allow for repairs to take place. The affected area is between Poughly Cottage and the Hermitage and motorists are advised to find an alternative route.

Newbury MP Laura Farris has said in a statement: “It has not been the start to 2024 that any of us wanted – flooding and sewage discharges into the River Lambourn.

“I understand that groundwater levels were already high.

Raw sewage going into the River Lambourn in Wantage Road, Lambourn
Raw sewage going into the River Lambourn in Wantage Road, Lambourn

“The heavy rainfall that followed has led to villages in the Lambourn Valley experiencing sewage coming out of manhole covers and into the streets.

“You will recall the extensive work that Thames Water undertook in Lambourn three years ago which they assured me would put an end to this.

“There’s been a lot of rain, yes, but it’s hardly exceptional.

Raw sewage going into the River Lambourn in Wantage Road, Lambourn
Raw sewage going into the River Lambourn in Wantage Road, Lambourn
Raw sewage going into the River Lambourn in Wantage Road, Lambourn
Raw sewage going into the River Lambourn in Wantage Road, Lambourn

“I have written to Thames Water to make my views clear and share constituents’ anger and they are currently investigating further mitigations such as a second filter unit in Lambourn, along with tankers.

“It is important that you continue to report all issues to Thames Water (and feel free to copy me in): https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/report-a-problem or 0800 316 9800, quoting the following Bulletin Board number for the area: Lambourn BB 469723; East Garston BB 488067.

“I’m afraid I think it’s back to the drawing board for Thames Water on this one and I will keep up the pressure.”



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