01/02/11….Villagers flushed with relief!

AFTER a local campaign lasting some 30 years, residents of Sydenham, just outside Thame, and Kingston Blount are a step closer to seeing an end to sewage sweeping down their streets and into their gardens every time we have heavy rain.

Thames Water has now agreed that the problem is of sufficient concern that it meets the initial requirements for investment in improvements to the system.

Local MP, John Howell, who has been supporting the residents in their lobbying of Thames Water, said: ?I know that companies like Thames Water have difficult decisions to make about where they invest their customers? money, but in this day and age, that even one home should be flooded with sewage is unacceptable.

?This is a problem which goes back not just to the time of my predecessor but to my predecessor?s predecessor. I am delighted that we have been able to make significant progress and thank Thames Water for their co-operation.?

SYDENHAM “Delighted”

Paul Stancliffe, Chairman of Sydenham Parish Council said: ?After 30 something years I am delighted to have got to this point. I recognise that there is still a long way to go but this is an important step.?

Peter Gibbons, Chairman of Aston Rowant Parish Council added: “Our thanks go to John Howell for his intervention and efforts to help us move this forward. It is a good example of how an MP can work for their constituents.?

WHAT NEXT?

John Howell explained: “Thames Water?s investment plans will now go through a detailed exercise including costing and further design work. It is clear that the work that local residents undertook to gather data on the extent of the problem really helped to give substance to their case. Their tenacity and their attention to detail are now paying off.?

PHOTO: Sydenham sewers in flood following heavy rain