Following the recent announcement, it’s clear that the failure that is the Combined Authority has once again let down the people it’s meant to represent. Rather than standing up for our communities, they’ve allowed central government to take the decision out of local hands — and now it looks like this massive, damaging reservoir is going to be steamrolled through, regardless of what residents think. In the name of ‘Economic Growth’ when in reality the Authority have failed the people in this regard for years, and after the last few weeks it is absolutely clear the new administration have no clue either.

We’re being told this is a “win” — but how is it a win when local voices are ignored and our best farmland is on the chopping block? It’s a giant ‘win’ for the unaccountable Anglian Water and it’s shareholders.

 One Giant Reservoir = One Giant Mistake

 Wrong Place, Wrong Scale: This reservoir would flood some of the richest, most productive agricultural land in the country. Once it’s underwater, that farmland — and the livelihoods it supports — are gone forever.

 Environmental Harm: Flattening ecosystems to build a mega-structure is not sustainable water management. It’s short-sighted destruction dressed up as progress.

 One Point of Failure: Relying on one massive water source is risky. If it fails, we all feel it.

 A Smarter Solution: Multiple Smaller Reservoirs

 More Resilient: Smaller reservoirs spread across less productive land are easier to manage, easier to adapt, and pose less risk if something goes wrong.

 Fight Drought AND Flooding: Placed well, smaller reservoirs can store excess rain during storms and release it slowly during droughts — helping prevent both flooding and shortages.

 Better for Nature, Better for People: Designed right, these reservoirs can support local wildlife, offer recreation, and give communities a say in their development.

 Local People Deserve a Voice

The Combined Authority’s failure to stand up for our region has allowed Westminster to steamroll this plan through. This isn’t consultation — it’s imposition. And it sets a dangerous precedent.

 We need a water strategy that works with the land and the people, not against them.

Let’s demand better:

 No to one giant Fens reservoir

 Yes to multiple smarter, smaller solutions

 Yes to local democracy and real community input