‘More information needed’ about Lincolnshire reservoir plans

The major project would flood around five square kilometres of land near Scredington, close to Sleaford, potentially losing 15 homes and farms.

Anglian Water says it’s a crucial development to keep taps running in the region, which is the driest in the country.

Plans won’t be formally submitted to the government until 2028, and the reservoir wouldn’t be brought into use until 2039 at the earliest.

Reform Councillor Jane King, who represents the nearby Donington ward, told a meeting where Anglian Water provided updates that there needed to be more communication with residents.

“There’s been a lack of communication, and not enough info for the public,” she told the Lincolnshire Local Access Forum on Friday (April 2).

“A lot more engagement needs to be done.”

Angie Tomlin, a member of the forum who lives near the proposed site, said: “I’m worried that villages will be cut off for long periods of time [during construction].

“Nobody seems to be listening to the fact that the whole area will be a series of dead ends for six or seven years. People will be stuck in their communities with nowhere to go.”

Anglian Water representatives at the meeting said they were “committed to getting [roads and footpaths] re-routed ahead of construction starting”.

The company hopes it could become a “community feature” where families, cyclists and watersports enthusiasts could spend time, similar to Rutland Water.

It is currently preparing its third round of consultation, which will provide greater details on the impact on traffic and transport.

The scale of the reservoir means that it would take three years to fill up, and would meet the needs of a growing population as the weather becomes more unpredictable.

Residents who would lose their homes and businesses have previously criticised the long wait for a decision, saying they’re being left in limbo.