Thames Water bosses to face grilling in Swindon next week

They have accepted an invitation to attend Swindon Borough Council’s overview and scrutiny committee.

And the committee’s chairman, councillor Dale Heenan, is keen to get questions and opinions from the town’s residents for committee members to ask.

He said: "Every month we seem to see a burst mains water pipe flooding a road in Swindon, and national news about the Thames Water finances with the threat of bankruptcy.

“We know that in 2015, all water companies were required by the government to have sensors on rivers and make the data publicly available. Thames Water was the first utility company to have 100 per cent coverage and now has constant bad press about sewage and storm overflow going into local rivers.

“We need to know just what is the truth about the situation, without the party political spin.

“I hope that councillors can hear from the water company what action they are taking to ensure our water infrastructure in Swindon and our villages is resilient and fit for the future so it is an opportunity for them to make their own case.

He added: “The scrutiny committee will be fair but do expect there to be lots of hard-hitting questions. I want to ensure the general public has an opportunity to ask questions too. If there was ever something you wanted to know from Thames Water, please get in touch. "

Council leader Councillor Jim Robbins said he will also be attending the meeting: “I am not a member of the committee, but I will be there.

“There are lots of questions to ask about burst pipes, sewage and why it took so long for the company to start doing what it needs to do in Fleming Way, which I’m glad to say has now started.”

If residents have questions they would like put to Thames Water they are asked to submit them to CommitteeServices@swindon.gov.uk  by 12 noon on Monday.

The meeting starts promptly at 6pm on Monday, July 15 at the Civic Offices, in Euclid Street and members of the public are entitled to attend.