MY house in South East Cornwall has recently been fitted with a water meter. Before this event our unmetered annual bill was £467. Recently published figures confirm that this was in fact nearly £100 more than it was predicted we would be paying in five years' time! The charging of its customers by South West Water continues at an ever increasing rate. I wonder if the chairman's and directors' benefits are reduced in proportion? I doubt it! No doubt their salaries, share options, bonus payments, company cars and numerous other benefits will continue regardless. As we regularly hear about South West Water's increasing efficiency and even better value for money perhaps their propaganda can explain the surfeit of new vehicles hitting the streets every time the registration number changes? They can't all be worked so hard as to be worn out - surely? The words "image" and "empire building" come to mind. As it is reported that the average water bill throughout the country is £249, may I suggest that we all pay this amount and no more? Mr Bill Baty and his "fat cat" friends can then use their salaries to sue us for the rest. For some people the choice between paying for food for their family and supporting the no doubt lavish lifestyle of South West Water directors is already here. All the threats, exhortations and explanations (excuses) in the world cannot make people pay demands with money they do not have.
R PARSONS Torpoint