‘Drop in’ to find out more about reservoir plans

Portsmouth Water is inviting local communities to come and find out more about plans for a new reservoir in Havant at three drop-in sessions.

The company is progressing plans to build the reservoir on land it owns between Staunton Country Park and Havant Thicket.

The project, a partnership with Southern Water, would secure much needed water supplies for the South East, create a new, public leisure space for nearby communities and a wildlife haven with wetlands for birds.

At the drop-in sessions, residents will be able to talk to members of the project team who are developing the plans for the reservoir, ask questions and share ideas and feedback. Visitors will be able to see how the reservoir may look in an interactive model.

There will also be information about the soil and water investigations which are taking place on the site in November and December.

The drop-in sessions will be held on:

• Monday 18 November, 2.30pm to 7pm, at St John’s Church Hall, 120 Redhill Road, Rowlands Castle, PO9 6DF
• Tuesday 19 November, 2.30pm to 7.30pm, at Leigh Park Community Centre, Dunsbury Way, Havant, PO9 5BG
• Saturday 23 November, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, at Leigh Park Community Centre, Dunsbury Way. Havant, PO9 5BG

Bob Taylor, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Water, said, “We want to give local residents and businesses the opportunity to find out more about the reservoir and hear back from them before we take the next steps to develop our plans.”

“The reservoir would be a huge asset to the local area, and we hope residents will get involved and play a part in helping us create an amenity that is valued by the community and enhances the environment.”

“What we hear will help inform the design and planning application, which we intend to submit later next year, and ensure we can plan to carry out the construction in a way that has minimal impact on the people of Havant.”

As well as sharing information about the reservoir and investigations, Portsmouth Water employees will be on hand to provide water efficiency advice and share information about water meters and support for customers with their water services and bills.

People can also find out more about the reservoir online at portsmouthwater.co.uk/havant-thicket-reservoir or follow the reservoir Facebook page @HavantReservoir.