The Chronicle is inviting readers to have their say on the future of the UK’s water industry by taking part in our latest online poll.
Campaigners are calling for a national referendum to decide whether water companies such as Thames Water should be brought back into public ownership. We want to know what you think.
The call comes from environmental campaigners Ash Smith and Peter Hammond, of Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (Wasp), who have launched a petition urging the government to let the public decide. Speaking previously, Mr Smith said the move was about giving people a stronger voice on an issue that affects communities across the country.
Their campaign has also been backed by Feargal Sharkey, who said he supported giving the public a say.
Thames Water, which supplies millions of customers including in Reading and West Berkshire, has been under scrutiny in recent years. The Chronicle has reported on a number of local issues, including sewage discharges into the River Thames, issues affecting the River Pang, and incidents linked to South Moreton sewage treatment works near Wallingford. Earlier this year, a pollution incident on the Kennet and Avon Canal resulted in the deaths of around 1,000 fish.
While some believe a public vote could help shape the future of water services, others have raised questions about how any changes would work in practice.
Now, we’re asking our readers to share their views.
Would you like to see a referendum on water ownership? Should the public have more of a say in how essential services like water are run?
Take part in our poll and let us know what you think.
We will put the results to the Prime Minister and Thames Water for comment.
Share