This website has been created using the best information available to GARD at the time of its compilation. The opinions expressed are based on GARD’s perception of the issues involved and the stance taken by Thames Water with regard to their proposal to build an Abingdon Reservoir. The views expressed in this website, which GARD reserves the right to change ahead of the Inquiry, cannot necessarily be taken, therefore, in whole or in part to represent GARD’s position at that Inquiry;;;.

LATEST NEWS

Excellent Local Response to WRSE
Emerging Regional Plan
Complete Rejection by Oxfordshire organisations and residents. 

A message from GARD chair - Derek Stork

" It has been a very busy and encouraging time for the past couple of months.
Now the dust has settled on the WRSE consultation, and before our next challenge, I'd like to add my thanks to all GARD members and supporters who responded so forcefully to the WRSE emerging regional plan. I'd like to thank you all for your physical support too, with leaflets and meetings. It is really heartening.

You can find the GARD response on our downloads page

I'd also like to thank all the elected representatives who supported us throughout this campaign and in recent months. This was started by Oxfordshire County Council but rapidly taken up by the Vale of White Horse District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council and our MPs, David Johnston (Wantage) and Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon). The local parishes in the area to be affected by the Reservoir overwhelmingly also wrote to WRSE rejecting the plans.

The County’s policy is stated here:
https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-county-council-calls-for-giant-reservoir-plan-to-be-scrapped-again/

The Vale of White Horse DC’s policy statement (including link to the consultation response) is here:
https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/planning/the-vale-rejects-the-need-for-gigantic-new-environmentally-disastrous-reservoir/

Finally, the South Oxfordshire DC’s policy statement (and link to the consultation response) is here:
https://www.southoxon.gov.uk/planning/reservoir-plans-should-be-urgently-reviewed/

The most striking, and to me the most powerful, aspect of this support was that it was entirely unanimous and non-partisan at all levels.

We at GARD think that this is the key to successfully opposing this monstrous project. A united non-partisan campaign is what we have always sought and will continue to seek. We look forward to working with all elected representatives on this.

"Here's to success in the future.”

Derek Stork

GARD

If you wish to join GARD, lifetime membership is £10 (under 18s and full-time students £5). You can download a membership application form at our website <Just Click Here>

ABOUT GARD (Group Against Reservoir Development). GARD is a group of individuals whose aim is to identify and promote viable solutions to meet the future needs of water users in the Thames Water Region. GARD is advised by eminent water industry practitioners. Our committee is composed of voluntary, unpaid members with technical experience, each of whom is free from any political or vested interests. Click here for names of committee members and advisors.