What is the Thames Water Action Group?
The Thames Water Action Group was first convened by Joy Morrissey MP in August 2021. The group meets every six weeks and aims to ensure that a workable and timely solution to the sewage problems in Farnham Common is provided by Thames Water.
Who is in the Thames Water Action Group?
The Group was set up by Joy Morrissey MP. Meetings are chaired by Councillor Dev Dhillon and attended by Buckinghamshire Councillors, Farnham Royal Parish Councillors, representatives from Thames Water, residents effected, and the City of London Corporation representing Burnham Beeches.
History and Key Issues
The Thames Water Action Group first met on 19th August 2021 in Farnham Common Village Hall. All parties agreed that it was a productive meeting thanks to the willingness from everyone to collaborate, compromise and finally put an end to the issues that have been ongoing for over twenty years.
Sewage is flooding properties internally and externally from the Thames Water provided sewerage services. Raw sewage has been running down the roads and pavements, and also into Burnham Beeches. These issues were first reported in 1995 and are ongoing in 2021.
In 2011 Thames Water did admit that the main A355 sewer cannot deal with the capacity of the area and fixing the problem in one alone would require a £4.5 million investment.
Thames Water have continually revised the dates that had been agreed for resolution of these issues, without first consulting residents. Resolutions provided by Thames Water have been short-term fixes. Significant structural changes are needed, namely upgrading the main trunk sewer under the A355.
