Campaigners who fear their homes will be blighted by a proposed reservoir are calling for a meeting with Thames Water managers.

Residents who live near the site, between Abingdon and Wantage, have lived with uncertainty since plans were first mooted ten years ago.

Now John Francis, chairman of the Vale of White Horse District Council's south east area forum, plans to tackle Thames Water over the issue.

He said: "Villages near the proposed site are in limbo. The uncertainty has been around for years and continues.

"There is a blight on the area, which is unsettling for people worried about their homes. This has been going on a long time and people want to know what is happening.

"The forum will request that Thames Water send someone to our January meeting to explain the situation."

Ten years ago Thames Water announced that it was examining options to increase supplies to meet growing demand from industry and housing in the south-east. One option was a reservoir on land around Drayton, Steventon and East Hanney.

That idea was shelved eight years ago, after strong local opposition and calls from the Environment Agency for Thames Water to reduce leaks from pipes.

But last year the plan was revived as a "favoured option" and it is still being considered, although an application has not been submitted.

Thames Water spokesman Andrew Boyd said: "We will be happy to speak to members of the forum. We have no plans to submit a planning application in the foreseeable future.

"If a reservoir is the best way forward, the site between Abingdon and Wantage would be our favourite option."