This weekend sees the return of Nomads and their annual panto at Woodley Village Hall.  Seldom have I encountered such enthusiasm and joy and I am very much looking forward to this year's performance, which will undoubtedly be a riot of fun.  But on the subject of pantomime, we are back to a case of, "oh yes they did - and oh no they didn't" with Southern Water.

They  definitely did return to tankering supplies into Abbotswood last weekend, and oh no they haven't yet told me why.  Despite the fact I posed the question as to why pressure dropped and tankers had to be deployed at about 9am Saturday morning, there has still been deafening silence as to what went wrong this time.  Previous issues at Abbotswood have been to do with "turbidity" at Timsbury, but as yet they have not managed to provide me with answers as to what was the cause on this occasion.

There is a meeting coming up for local MPs, county councillors and Southern Water.  And to be frank they need a robust plan of how they can secure supply, because there are ongoing issues in several parts of this constituency, despite supposed improvements and investments.

But more of a case of "oh no they didn't" when it was reported to me there was a sewage spill at Fullerton at the start of this week.  All sorts of reports abounded that the Environment Agency were in attendance, but I have had an absolute assurance from Southern Water that there was no spill at Fullerton.  There was, however, a spill at Romsey and that is one of the many reasons why I welcome the announcement this week that water company bosses could lose their bonuses if there is negligent performance.  About time too. 

 

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP

Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee