Richmond Council rejects Thames Water filming request
Council leader states authority is 'shocked' by request amid opposition to river wastewater scheme.
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Both sources cite the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) and quote a named council leader and a Thames Water spokesperson.
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Richmond Council has refused Thames Water's request to film a promotional video within the borough. The council cited ongoing opposition to the water company's Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme as the reason for the rejection.
Opposition to River Wastewater Scheme
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The TDRA scheme involves pumping up to 75 million litres of treated wastewater daily into the River Thames above Teddington Weir. This water would replace water taken from the river for drinking purposes during dry weather. The plan has faced significant opposition from the council, local Members of Parliament, residents, and environmental campaigners. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the river's environment, wildlife, and human health. A petition against the scheme has garnered over 34,200 signatures.
Council leader Gareth Roberts expressed the authority's dismay at the filming request. In a video shared on the council's social media, Councillor Roberts stated that the council was "shocked" to receive the request for a promotional piece for Thames Water's services, using "our beautiful borough as the backdrop, the beautiful borough that they are hell-bent on destroying."
Councillor Roberts told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the council wished to convey that Thames Water should not "spoil our borough, and at the same time ask permission for it to form the backdrop for one of your nice promotional puff pieces." He added that the council is "not backing down in our fight against Thames Water to get them to shelve these plans."
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Thames Water's Response
A spokesperson for Thames Water stated that a production company working on their behalf had contacted Richmond Council to discuss filming. The filming was intended to be part of a customer awareness campaign highlighting the company's investments in improving services, reducing leaks, and cutting pollution. The proposed film aimed to update customers on recent deliveries and ongoing improvements as part of what the company describes as its "biggest upgrade" in 150 years.
Next Steps for TDRA Scheme
Thames Water plans to submit an application to the Government for a development consent order for the TDRA project in early 2027. The company has previously stated that the scheme would meet water quality standards set by the Environment Agency and comply with all relevant regulatory and legal requirements.
Questions this report answers
+Why did Richmond Council reject Thames Water's filming request?
Richmond Council rejected the request due to widespread opposition to Thames Water's Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme. Council leader Gareth Roberts stated the authority was "shocked" by the request, viewing it as inappropriate given the ongoing dispute over the wastewater proposal.
+What is the Teddington Direct River Abstraction scheme?
The TDRA scheme is a proposal by Thames Water to pump up to 75 million litres of treated wastewater daily into the River Thames. This is intended to supplement drinking water supplies during dry periods, with the treated wastewater replacing water abstracted from the river.
+When will Thames Water apply for permission for the TDRA project?
Thames Water plans to apply to the Government for a development consent order to proceed with the Teddington Direct River Abstraction project. This application is expected to be submitted in early 2027.
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