They have waited 40 years for it - but now the Milton Common sewers scheme is under way.

Chris Neail, district councillor for the village said: "I can hardly believe it.

"We have waited a very long time for this but now work has really started."

The 831,000 scheme cost is being shared between Thames Water, the Department of the Environment, people in the village and South Oxfordshire District Council.

Pressure for the village, which straddles the A40, to be put on mains sewers started 40 years ago in the former Bullingdon Rural Council.

Since then residents have never given up hope - but agreement was reached only this year.

Mr Neail said: "The residents' patience and persistence and the work of a steering committee is finally being rewarded."

Bill Peters, scheme project manager, said: "We are delighted to have reached an agreement on the scheme with the council and residents."

Mains sewers are also being provided at the neighbouring hamlet of Moreton with Beckley next on the list.