Thames water has apologised for using 'unnerving' language in a questionnaire to Fulham residents over the super sewer – but has stopped short of ruling out using compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) of homes near its proposed site in Carnwath Road.

Neighbours have complained the 'land interest' forms they are being asked to fill out by the firm are 'intrusive' and 'bullying' and some fear the questions are a prelude to their homes being bulldozed to facilitate the scheme.

And while Thames Water has said sorry for the language used in the forms, it hasn't catagorically ruled out the need to use CPOs.

A spokesman said: "In addition to our public consultation, we are required by law to make direct contact with all those whose properties may be affected by our proposals, and who might therefore be in a position to make a claim against the project. That said, if the wording of these questionnaires was unnerving, we are sorry.

"Our preferred sites have been chosen to avoid areas of existing housing, so we do not expect to need to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire any domestic property."

The form asks a number of questions, including who has an interest in the land or property, whether the land is subject to any mortgage and about who may 'acquire an interest' in the property.

In her weekly column in the Chronicle a fortnight ago, Residents Against Thames Sewer spokeswoman Nicky Pateman said residents had been unnerved by the tone of the questions.

RATS are being backed by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: "Some residents are fearful about what this questionnaire is really about and there is a definite lack of trust between Thames Water and local people. "The council’s advice is not to cooperate with Thames Water as there is no benefit to property owners and there may be risks."

He added: "We are saying no to a foul construction site near local homes and schools and, if Thames Water is thinking of seizing local homes, we will say no to that too."

The firm says building the 20-mile long tunnel beneath the Thames is necessary to stop sewage flowing into the river.