A decision on whether to build a reservoir between Abingdon and Wantage is still two years away, residents have been told.

The proposal, recently revived by Thames Water after being ditched ten years ago, is one of several options to meet the increasing demand for water in the south east.

More homes, industry and climate change have put greater pressure on the water network.

At a public meeting in Steventon village hall on Tuesday, more than 150 people heard that no early decision was expected.

Dr Peter Spillett, Thames Water's environment and quality manager, said: "We sympathise with the concerns of local people who are suffering from planning blight on their properties, but we are not yet in a position to put in a planning application for a reservoir.

"We are continuing to examine all options which will take another two years.

"We have a duty to submit our long-term plans and we will continue our studies for at least another two years. But if, in the end, a reservoir is seen as the best way forward, then one in the Upper Thames area is the favourite option."

Desalination, tapping into water underneath parts of London and plugging leaks are being examined by the company as ways of finding new supplies and conserving water.

Residents questioned the need for a reservoir which, they said, would devastate the area, and called for more action over leakage. It was revealed Thames Water spent £70m last year repairing mains. The big problem, said Dr Spillett, was in London where many mains were old. He agreed leaks were still an issue.

After the meeting, John Bowder of Steventon, said he was unhappy about the reservoir, the risk of flooding and the impact it would have on the country road network.

Deryck Crossley, of Wantage, thought a smaller reservoir might be the answer and was appalled at the scale of the leakage problem.