Newbury MP criticises Thames Water's 'poor communication'

It follows a recent meeting between Mr Benyon, West Berkshire Council chief executive Nick Carter and senior Thames Water representatives.
Mr Benyon said: “I fully appreciate that the weather we saw last winter was unprecedented, however by their own admission Thames Water did not always communicate and respond satisfactorily to my constituents.
“Operations director Bob Collington and his team have given me assurances that local liaison procedures have, and are continuing to be, improved. “In the event of another incident on this scale, or worse, Thames Water are well prepared to engage with all our communities, no matter how rural.”
The Thames Valley was one of the worst affected areas hit by flooding. Between December 1 and February 25, 395mm of rain had fallen on Berkshire, compared to an average of 181.8mm, making it the county’s wettest winter on record.
Hundreds of properties were flooded, roads were closed and areas of open grassland became waterlogged.
Troops from 4 Rifles battalion were called in to assist the authorities with recovery operations and used the Newbury Weekly News office in Faraday Road as their base.
Following the meeting, and in response to Mr Benyon’s comments, Thames Water spokeswoman Becky Trotman said: “This was a very constructive meeting where we updated Richard on activities to deal with sewer flooding issues affecting constituents.
“We’re carrying out surveys in areas such as the Pang Valley which were affected during the adverse weather earlier this year and, this summer we will be starting a sewer relining project in Lambourn.
“This was originally due to start in January but had to be delayed until water levels in the sewers dropped.
“We’ll continue to keep in close contact with both the MP and West Berkshire Council as well as the local flood forums to ensure all parties are working together to address flooding issues affecting local residents.”
West Berkshire Council is currently in the process of reviewing the response by council officers and other authorities through a survey of affected residents and business owners.
Council spokesman Keith Ulyatt said: “Operationally, we have been working very well with colleagues from Thames Water and that work is ongoing as we continue to address issues on the ground raised by the recent floods. “That said, Bob Collington has acknowledged that communications at a higher level could be improved and we are working with Thames Water on that.
“We are currently running a survey on the recent floods which includes asking questions about the response provided by the various authorities involved to the incident. Those results will be published in due course.”