Smell Worry as Hounslow Approves Massive Sewage Expansion

2.22.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 30th Mar 2009

The Borough of Hounslow has approved a big increase in the sewage processing capacity at Mogden.

Concern has been expressed among Richmond Borough residents that they have not been consulted and may be impacted by the decision.

Vincent Cable MP, who successfully campaigned for coverage of the main smell-generating areas of Mogden several years ago, expressed surprise that Thames Water had not done more to consult Richmond residents, especially in Twickenham and St Margaret's which are occasionally affected by the Mogden 'pong' when down wind of it. He has written to seek a meeting with the Chief Executive and said: "After the big environmental improvements at Mogden we have been less seriously affected in the last year or so. I am now concerned that the good work could be undone by a massive expansion programme on which there has been minimal consultation with our local residents. This is predominately a Hounslow issue and it is Isleworth residents which are worst affected. But there is, nonetheless, some anxiety in our Borough."