Call for faster action to repair leak at junction by Morrisons
26/06/2026
The source of the problem is unclear
Faster action is needed to sort a long-running problem with water on the road outside Morrisons on Upper Windsor Street in Banbury: that’s the view of Banbury’s MP Sean Woodcock.
People first contacted Mr Woodcock about what was believed to be a leak in December last year, with water flowing across the road and concerns about both safety and water wastage.
Since then Mr Woodcock says he has repeatedly contacted Oxfordshire County Council seeking action and clarity over responsibility for the issue.
A spokesperson at the County Council told Banbury FM that initially it was assumed the leak was coming from a fresh water main, but Thames Water investigated and concluded that the water was not from their system.
The council used CCTV to investigate the nearby highway drain and found it to be constricted due to calcification. Attempts to clear the drain were unsuccessful, leaving replacement of a section of pipe as the only option.
The spokesperson added that whilst the pipe does need to be replaced they don’t believe it is the source of the leak, which may originate from a spring – although they pointed out a buried Thames Water stop-cock has also been identified at the point where water is surfacing.
But Thames Water believe the issue is something the County Council need to resolve. A spokesperson told us: “We have investigated this site on several occasions over the past few years, including twice this month. Sample testing has shown this is not water from Thames Water’s network.
“Our teams have also seen this area dry up on several occasions, which is further proof this is not water leaking from our assets.
“Our understanding is that in April Oxfordshire County Council said it was going to replace a pipe and fix the issue.”
The County Council say they do plan to excavate the area but need work in Cherwell Street to be complete first. Until then the area will be plated to protect vehicles from hitting the pothole created where the water appears.
Mr Woodcock said: “While I welcome this progress, it is completely unacceptable that it has taken so long to reach this point. The ongoing leak has posed a safety risk, caused significant disruption, and resulted in a considerable waste of water.
“Local residents and bill payers should not be left to bear the cost of delays and a lack of accountability.
“I will continue to monitor the situation closely and press for the work to be completed without any further delay.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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