A LOCKERLEY man is among several households facing a cost of more than £12,000 towards upgrading a sewage treatment plant.

David Oxford, of Butlers Close, was recently informed about the £12,500 cost towards the upgrades from housing association Aster.

Mr Oxford, 65, told the Advertiser that he is trying to sell the property and was made aware of the charge for the upgrades to take place from 2024-2025.

Mr Oxford said: “The cost is £12,500 per household. I bought the property three years ago as a refurbishment project, so I have only lived in it for about 18 months. 

“I bought the property in good faith, I don't see why I have to pay for the upgrades.”

This comes after Aster was criticised for increasing its sewerage charges for more than 300 ex-council houses across the Test Valley which do not have mains drainage.

The charges saw a dramatic increase, as tankers are being sent from Kent almost weekly to empty the system because it is otherwise leaking into the neighbouring ditch.

READ MORE: Sewage charges for some Test Valley residents doubles

Hampshire Chronicle: Butlers Close, Lockerley

Cllr Nick Adams-King, who represents Romsey Rural on Hampshire County Council, has been hearing the cases of hundreds of residents who are upset at the increased charges. 

Cllr Adams-King and Romsey MP Caroline Nokes are due to meet Aster on May 18. Cllr Adams-King said: "My view is, and remains, that the degree of work needed to each of these plants is exacerbated by Aster’s failure to proactively extend their life appropriately. Caroline Nokes and I are meeting Aster on Thursday, May 18 for an update. We will definitely bring this up with them."

An Aster spokesman said: “We’re in regular contact with affected homeowners and we understand their concerns about potential future costs.

“Butlers Close customers are currently paying for the normal servicing and maintenance of the sewerage treatment plant in their road, as part of their contract. 

“The plant is expected to be upgraded during 2024/25, we expect there to be a cost applied at that time to homeowners. We are legally required to inform our customers about future planned works at the plant as part of any pre-sales enquiry process that takes place for any homes in the area.

“We’ll be in touch with customers to carry out a full consultation before any works begin.”

It is unclear how many of Mr Oxford's neighbours are also affected by the charges.