Mogden Promise After Minister's Visit

12.12.08pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 25th May 2004

Environment Minister Lord Whitty visited the Mogden works on Friday with local MPs Vincent Cable and Ann Keen and met the boss of Thames Water, John Sexton, and his staff to discuss the problems of odour and mosquitos.

Thames Water has put forward a plan to cover the works at a cost of over £50m and has asked the water regulator Ofwat to approve the project (so it can be paid for with higher water charges).

Vincent Cable said that: "all of a sudden, after years of denial Thames Water recognise that there is a serious problem and are putting forward a solution which residents have been promoting but which the company said was impractical. The threat of court action seems to have galvanised the company into action.

"My main concern now is that Thames Water get on with the work as soon as possible whether or not Ofwat approve the cost pass-through. The Minister made it clear that Thames Water cannot be allowed to ignore their responsibilities any longer".