The Spring 2008 public consultation provided information to enable the local community, local organisations and other stakeholders to:

• Take the opportunity to clarify understanding of the need for additional water supply in the Portsmouth Water area;
• Raise issues and consider options in relation to the design, engineering and construction of the reservoir as far as they have been developed;
• Participate in developing proposals for landscape, conservation, recreation, education and access; and
• Put forward ideas and suggestions

An exhibition presenting the main aspects of the proposal was held between 8 and 18 March 2008 at Leigh Park (5 days), Rowlands Castle (4 days) and Horndean (1 day). The displays were then available to view for a month at the Portsmouth Water head office in Havant. Workshops with local schools and colleges were also held. Over 850 people attended the exhibition and more than 250 feedback forms were received.

Residents at exhibition in Leigh Park	Workshop at Horndean Technology College

The public response to the proposal for a reservoir at the exhibitions was generally very supportive, with the majority of people indicating that they viewed it as a potential benefit for the local area. The key concerns raised were:

• The loss of existing habitat and potential impact on wildlife
• Potential for increased traffic in residential areas
• The need for adequate parking provision for visitors
• Whether there would be any risk from flooding

These concerns are discussed in the summer 2008 Newsletter.

A community workshop was held on 29 March 2008. This was attended by 30 individuals with a balance between people from different local communities and varying interests, to discuss the issues being raised at the exhibitions in greater detail.

A report examining the results of the consultation was published in October 2008.