The Government's announcement of a public inquiry into Thames Water's plansto build a new reservoir in the Vale have been welcomed by localConservatives. The proposal, which would flood the area between Steventon andEast Hanney, would create a reservoir the size of 900 football pitches. Vale Conservative Leader, Cllr Matthew Barber welcomed the news saying, "Itis important that local voices are heard on this issue. Thames Water willnot be allowed to bulldoze these plans through". Well organised localopposition groups have been campaigning for years against the proposal. Councillor for Hanneys ward, Cllr Terry Cox commented, "Thames Water havenot made the case for the reservoir. They have not invested enough in fixingtheir existing leaking pipe network, and their projections on demand havenot been justified. It is wrong to leave this issue hanging in the balancefor another five years. Surely after 19 years it is time to reject theproposed reservoir as Thames have continually failed to show it is reallyneeded." Mike Murray, Vale Shadow Cabinet member and Councillor for Hendreds wardadded, "If they get the go ahead this would create one of the largestreservoirs in the country, with a 75 foot bund stretching between Steventon,East Hanney and Drayton. Over time Thames Water's projections have proved tobe flawed. I welcome the public enquiry that will give a voice to localpeople who will be most affected by it. I anticipate that the Inspector willfind that this proposal is not the best solution to deal with our futurewater demands."