MP Vince Cable has demanded talks with Thames Water amid claims people living in St Margarets, Whitton and parts of Twickenham were not consulted over the expansion of Mogden sewage works.

The utilities giant's application to expand the Isleworth plant by almost half was given the green light by Hounslow Council's sustainable development committee on March 4.

But those living down wind of the infamous 'pong' say they did not have a chance to air their views before the meeting.

Dr Cable said: "After the big environmental improvements at Mogden we have been less seriously affected in the last year or so.

"I am now concerned that the good work could be undone by a massive expansion programme on which there has been minimal consultation with local residents. This is a predominantly a Hounslow issue as it is Isleworth residents which are worst affected, but there is nonetheless some anxiety in our borough."

The firm said its plans, which will increase Mogden's capacity from 690 million to 1,064 million litres per day, will help prevent untreated sewage from spilling into the Thames during heavy rainfall.

But residents have raised numerous concerns about Thames Water's position, including its refusal to cover all of the eight storm tanks which collect any overspill and are major sources of the odour.

Marianne Welsh, of Crane Way, Whitton, and a member of the Mogden Residents' Action Group, told the Chronicle: "I can't understand why they want to forge ahead with this expansion without finishing what they were suppose to do, such as covering the storm tanks.

"Thames Water say there will be an odour, but it will be odourless. Have you ever heard anything so ridiculous?"

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We would be happy to meet with Dr Cable to discuss any concerns he may have about the improvements at Mogden.

"We have been consulting with local communities on the plans for the past two years, including a week-long exhibition at Whitton and Isleworth libraries, and letters and leaflets sent to thousands of homes last year, including those in Whitton and St Margarets.

"The decision by Hounslow planning committee to approve our plans is good news for the local community and good news for the quality of the Thames. The improvements will enable us to fully treat more of the existing flow into the treatment works, and thereby significantly reduce the frequency and the concentration of discharges of storm water into the tidal River Thames. This will improve the water quality of the river and will reduce the use of the existing storm tanks by 80 per cent.

"The  potential for any odour will also be reduced, as when the storm tanks need  to  be  used,  covered  tanks  will  be  used first. On the very rare occasions  uncovered  tanks  are  used,  a cleaning regime, agreed with the London  Borough  of  Hounslow,  will  be  in  place to reduce any potential odour."