A multi-million pound High Court battle between Mogden campaigners and Thames Water is under way.

In a bid to combat unsavoury smells from the Isleworth sewage plant, the Mogden Residents Action Group (MRAG) is fighting the utility giant over alleged management failures at the works. If successful more than 1,300 residents could be entitled to a pay-out.

Yesterday, Sir Vivian Ramsey, Judge in charge of the Technology and Construction Court, made a site visit as part of the civil action, which is expected to last at least six weeks.

MRAG members are angry that Hounslow Council agreed to Thames Water's application to double Mogden’s capacity before the current hearing produces a verdict.

The campaigners’ bid has the backing of councillors and MPs across the boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond.

Brentford ward councillor, Andrew Dakers, who recently launched a petition for more storm tanks to be covered along with fellow Lib Dems, said: “I welcome the residents’ action against Thames Water and wish them every success.

“If your child can not concentrate on their homework because of the odour, as many residents have complained to me, then you have good reason for continued concern.

“This is why Vince Cable and I believe it would be good to see Thames Water take the lead in ending the odour blighting residents lives, rather than leaving residents suffering for what could be at least five years.

“Only two of eight storm tanks are currently covered. Waiting another four or five years until the current expansion programme is completed to discover whether use of the storm tanks has lessened and the odour abated is not good enough.”

Dr Cable, MP for Twickenham, said: “I wish the campaigners well. Some residents downwind of Mogden have suffered for years.

“I believe that the recently completed £50m improvements and partial coverage are helping reduce odour but there are legitimate concerns that expansion, if it works, may undermine that progress unless there is better coverage of the storm tanks.”

To sign the petition visit tinyurl.com/mogdenpetition.

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