Thames Water Refuses smell rebate but proposes higher charges

2.07.21pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 2nd Sep 2003

Vincent Cable MP for Twickenham

Thames Water has rejected proposals from local residents for a rebate on their water charges because of continued nuisance from the Mogden 'pong'; but joined other water companies in demanding increases in water charges of 6% per annum plus inflation to finance future investment.

Thames Water rejected residents' appeals for a rebate in a letter to MP Vincent Cable but it has told the MP that an 'independent odour expert' is being invited to evaluate the results of the recent investment programme when it is complete; further new investment is promised if the expert judges it necessary.

Vincent Cable said: "we have had an unpleasant reminder of this problem over the last weekend with the heavy sewage smell hanging around parts of Twickenham. Despite all the reassurances the promised works have been seriously delayed and there are currently three separate pieces of work causing further delay. It is unfortunate timing that the water companies

have now come up with their demands for much higher prices".