Plans for £1bn reservoir on show

Some local people could be forced to sell their homes

Plans to build the biggest reservoir in the UK for 25 years in Oxfordshire - at a cost of £1bn - have gone on public display for the first time.

Thames Water said the site, planned for farmland near Abingdon, was needed to meet demand.

The firm's Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) consultation, which includes proposals for the reservoir, went on display in Abingdon.

There is strong opposition because some people may be forced to move home.

At more than 10 sq km (3.9 sq miles) it would be the biggest reservoir built in the UK in 25 years, Thames Water said.

It would hold 150bn litres of water and take 10 years to build.

The reservoir would supply an extra 350m litres of water a day, the majority of which is needed in London.

A 16-week consultation programme on the plans began last week.

The reservoir would take up to 10 years to build

Exhibitions will also be held in Wantage, Grove, Steventon, Drayton, Marcham and East Hanney.

The water watchdog Ofwat has in the past branded the company the UK's "leakiest" supplier.

But Thames Water said it was working on "continuing to reduce leakage".

People living between the villages of East Hanney and Steventon would be most affected by the reservoir, with the company warning of compulsory purchase orders on some homes.

Construction is likely to begin in 2011 if the scheme is approved.