Farmer fears a cut-off (From Stroud News and Journal)

Farmer fears a cut-off

A FARMER is living under the threat of having his water supply cut off after receiving a bill for a staggering £3,500.

Michael Charley of Ruscombe has been sent only one bill in two years by Severn Trent.

That was in June 2001 but this week he received a final demand.

"I have no guarantee that they won't cut off the supply," he told the News & Journal. "I have been very worried for the last couple of days."

Although Severn Trent said it would not cut his supply unless the situation cannot be resolved Mr Charley is disputing the bill and does not believe he could have used such a huge amount of water.

Normally Mr Charley's water bill comes to around £150 per quarter. His last bill was paid in June 1999.

After that he heard nothing from Severn Trent, who he said discovered a reading between five to six times higher than normal in December 1999 - but did not tell him.

In June 2001 a Severn Trent inspector took readings from the meter, 100 yards from his home. He asked Mr Charley to take his own readings, which were at about the normal level, 1.5 cubic metres a day.

Before he could report back, Severn Trent sent him a bill for £3,500. Although the bill covered three properties, he was not prepared to pay this "excessive" amount.

This week, Mr Charley offered to pay £1,783.47 - just over half Severn Trent's demand.

"I will pay the average, before and after the period of dispute," he said. "I feel it's due to their negligence."

Kate Cox, Severn Trent spokesman, said Mr Charley's case is under review and while that is so, the supply will not be cut.

"We have apologised to him for the handling of the case and have admitted there was a certain lack of communication," she said.

"Nevertheless, the issue of the outstanding bill still remains. We believe the consumption has increased."

Severn Trent has found no fault with its meter or a leak. It has offered a meter accuracy check and will accept the cheque Mr Charley has sent.

She added: "We are going to review the account and carry out further investigations."