Thames Water and the Environment Agency (EA) are under fire in a village outside Farnham after flooding problems.

Frustrated Crondall residents recently attended a public meeting after due to ongoing flooding that has plagued the village.

Representatives from Thames Water, the EA and Hampshire County Council all gathered at Crondall Village Hall, supported by Crondall Parish Council.

Councillor Chirs Dorn said: “Crondall has experienced episodes of flooding, impacting residents and businesses, for a number of years. This is caused by a combination of factors, from high groundwater levels and a reduced level of maintenance of the River Hart, which rises in the village, to an ageing sewage and drainage infrastructure. 

"I was delighted that so many residents attended and clearly expressed their deep concerns, about the flood risks and actual effects of flood events in their homes.

“It was extremely helpful to have the key agencies and companies in the room, with the complexities and challenges well-explained. But it did highlight the need for improved and more effective coordination at all levels to deliver better outcomes for our community.”

The EA outlined suggestions for flood mitigation in the area but confirmed these were still on the drawing board, without any details of final costs or time scales.

The EA team also apologised to residents who were impacted by the flooding caused by Storm Henk, in January this year. When, due to a failure by the Agency in 2023, a flood alert was not issued until several hours after the flooding had occurred. 

Addressing residents, Thames Water representatives outlined work that has been taken to prevent groundwater from entering the local sewage system and discussed the capacity of its pumping station in Pankridge Street.

Its ability to operate at times of high flow was questioned and residents pointed out that in the winter months, untreated effluent frequently entered the River Hart during “storm flows”. The village has four main water systems.

Thames Water said that the pumping station was capable of dealing with the “average flows experienced in the village, during dry weather.”

Resident Lee Langley expressed his dismay, suggesting that dozens of tankers are used by Thames Water for several weeks during the winter to transport sewage away from the village.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Langley said: “The simple fact is that there has been a lack of investment in the drainage and sewage systems in Crondall. At the same time, the village has been growing, with new homes being built, and investment has not kept pace and the infrastructure is failing.”

Fellow resident, Matthew Seary, agreed, he stated: “While it was good that the agencies involved came together to speak to the village this evening, and we are grateful to Cllr Dorn for organising the meeting.

“It is frustrating that no one from the agencies involved seems to want to take overall responsibility for coordinating a response to the flooding problems.

“Crondall has had enough platitudes, excuses and apologies over the years. It's time for some action.”