THE CITIZENS Arrest network has reported that a protest aimed to make a citizen’s arrest of a Thames Water CEO this week, but ended in failure, Thames Valley Police has confirmed.
A group of residents attended the Thames Water Headquarters in Reading on Tuesday, March 18, to protest following the high court ruling which was made in favour of the water supplier.
While the group informed Thames Valley Police that they intended to make a citizen’s arrest, TVP and Thames Water have both confirmed that no such arrest took place.
The group lodged accusations of unsafe infrastructure and drinking water, mismanagement of customer funds, and illegal discharge of sewage.
A report released by the Citizens Arrest Network cites expectations of an average increase of 25% of customer bills across the UK amid salaries of up to £2.3m for executives at Thames Water and bonuses of nearly £200,000.
They also describe the recent court decisions as a ‘failure of the High Court to hold Thames Water to account for their poor business management.
Rachel Whyte, who was among the protestors, said: “These execs are earning huge sums of money each year, personally allowing raw sewage to continue being dumped in our waters. Time and again we see them get fined, but nothing changes other than the increase in our bills.
“It should be a crime to extort the public like this–if accountability isn’t going to be delivered by regulators and the government, then I feel it is my duty as a citizen to do this.
“I think I speak for every Thames Water customer when I say, I’ve had enough.”
She explained: “There are lots of instances where politicians, pundits, economists, critics and the public have claimed clear mismanagement in the water industry, especially – given their recent and ongoing financial crisis – concerning their finances, floods and polluted rivers.
“There have been calls for arrests and prosecution. But they still operate with apparent impunity; dirty rivers, drinking water at risk, floods ongoing, lack of investment cash and the risk of failing infrastructure yet continue to enjoy performance-related bonuses and significant salaries.
“We intend to charge two senior executives of Thames Water with Public Nuisance.
“We are working with lawyers, and now the police, to make this happen.”
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson has confirmed, however, that: “No criminality was identified.”
A Thames Water spokesperson further explained: “No arrest was made and neither the CEO or CFO met with any of the individuals.
“Police attended the office and requested that this group leave the property.”
