East Hampshire’s MP is kicking up a stink with his Tory neighbours over plans to pump treated water into a new reservoir on the southern fringe of the district.

Damian Hinds has joined forces with Alan Mak and Suella Braverman to oppose water recycling at Havant Thicket reservoir.

The MPs – who represent East Hampshire, Havant and Fareham and Waterlooville, respectively – say the technology is unproven in the UK and there is a lack of confidence in Southern Water to operate the scheme.

Many people around the southern parishes feel they were not informed of the full facts when plans for the reservoir emerged around a decade ago.

Most thought that water from the streams and aquifers around Havant Thicket would fill the reservoir between the woodland, Manor Lodge Road and Leigh Park.

So there’s been some consternation about plans to top up water levels in the reservoir with treated water pumped in from the Budds Lane treatment works in Havant.

The MPs met at the reservoir site last week to show their solidarity with local residents who are concerned about the potential impact on water quality.

The reservoir is being built by Portsmouth Water in partnership with Southern Water, with the latter seeking permission for the transfer and water recycling project.

Mr Hinds said: “The reservoir is a key infrastructure project which will help secure water supplies and protect Hampshire’s precious chalk streams.

“But as things stand I do not believe a compelling case has been made for the additional project proposal to convert this to a ‘recycled water’ facility – with a technology which would be new to the UK.”

The Southern Water consultation runs until April 4 with residents being urged to make comments via https://shorturl.at/kizxl while Mr Mak has also launched a petition on his website.