A HOUSING association has said they will review the costs faced by private homeowners who use sewerage treatment plants.

More than 300 ex-council houses across the Test Valley are connected to Aster plants. 

Householders have been faced with increased charges, with some households seeing their bills double.

The charges rose sharply because tankers are being sent from Kent almost weekly to empty the system to stop leaks.

Cllr Nick Adams-King and Romsey MP Caroline Nokes met Aster on Thursday May 18. 

Cllr Adams-King, who represents Romsey Rural on Hampshire County Council, said: “I’m pleased that we have made progress with Aster on their looking at ongoing costs and recognising that charges made for the plants that are not fully operational should be capped for residents. 

READ MORE: Hampshire man landed with £12,500 bill for upgrade to sewerage works

“There is much further they need to go however, it seems clear to me that residents would receive a more efficient and less costly service from a more local provider, I would urge Aster to consider that when re-tendering their sewerage treatment plant management. It is, after all, only owners of properties linked to Aster controlled sewerage systems that are asked to bear such high costs and who have seen such challenges with their maintenance and management.”

The Advertiser recently reported the case of David Oxford, of Butlers Close in Lockerley, who was charged £12,500 towards the upgrade of the sewerage works. 

Cllr Adams-King raised Mr Oxford's case with Aster.

He said: “Aster have been in control of these plants for over 20 years. They have admitted that there has been no sinking fund created to cover the cost of repairs and renewals. It’s therefore entirely unfair that home owners who have bought their properties in the last couple of years, as in the case of Mr Oxford, should be asked to pay the full amount. 

“As promised, Caroline Nokes and I raised Mr Oxford’s case with Aster in our meeting and I am pleased they agreed to look at the issue of length of ownership when calculating the amount home owners will be asked to pay toward major works to the sewerage treatment plants, without disadvantaging those who have lived in their homes for much longer. They also agreed to establish sinking funds for each site going forward, which is also a step in the right direction.”