THE second phase of consultation on Thames Water's plan for a reservoir between Abingdon and Wantage will be launched in the new year.

Exhibitions will be held across the Vale of White Horse and leaflets will be sent to all those who would be affected if the project gets the go-ahead.

The first stage of consultation, launched in September, explained why more water would be needed to meet future demand in Oxfordshire, Swindon and London. It outlined a package of proposals to meet demand, including water efficiency and leakage reductions.

The second consultation will focus on one of the key parts - the proposed reservoir, covering four square miles of farmland between Steventon and East Hanney.

It will examine how Thames Water has considered public views, how the proposed reservoir would work and how local residents can influence the design.

Other aspects of the consultation will look at recreational facilities and nature conservation schemes, the likely timescale for construction and what the reservoir might look like if it is built by the end of 2020.

Thames Water's exhibition manager Eleanor Taylor said the firm had received a "magnificent response".

The first exhibition will be at Abingdon Guildhall, on Saturday, January 6. The exhibition will also visit Steventon village Hall, East Hanney Memorial Hall, Wantage Civic Hall, Marcham Primary School and Drayton village hall, with the last exhibition on January 30.

Full details of the events will be posted online at www.thameswater.co.uk/utmrd Thames Water staff will be at the exhibitions to answer questions.