'Inquiry into Ringmer Reservoir must be held locally' says MP

3.52.57pm GMT Thu 7th Jan 2010

Lib Dem councillors are fighting to stop South East Water putting a new reservoir near Ringmer.

The inquiry into South East Water's controversial plan for a reservoir at Clayhill near Ringmer has been scheduled in for 11th May at Ashford in Kent. But local Lib Dems are calling for the meeting to be moved closer to Ringmer so that local people can attend.

Local MP Norman Baker says: "I called on DEFRA to force an inquiry into South East Water's plans, and am pleased that the government responded. But it is unacceptable for this inquiry to take place almost 2 hours away from the proposed site. Residents in Ringmer and the surrounding area have a right to attend this inquiry.

"I will put forward my view that a new reservoir is not justifiable until South East water makes more effort to reduce leaks, and demonstrates that it fully considered other sites."

Local councillor Peter Gardiner says: "Ashford is about as far away as they could have held the inquiry within the South East. This will severely limit who is able to attend. South East Water have a worse record on reducing leaks than neighbouring Southern Water. They must take more action on this before arguing for a new reservoir."

Ringmer councillor Chris Bowers says: "The idea of a reservoir north of Ringmer always seemed flawed, but the attraction to South East Water seemed to be that it was the option of least resistance. The people of Ringmer have shown that they are willing to resist this ill-thought-out plan, so the fact that the inquiry is being held so far away suggests South East Water are trying a subterfuge to prevent Ringmer residents putting forward their opposition."