Campaigner, Mike Treleaven calls for 'Water Justice' in Totnes

12.29.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 18th Mar 2005

Liberal Democrat campaigner, Mike Treleaven will be taking his petition calling for 'Water Justice' to Totnes on Saturday. This petition calls for Government action to stop the grossly unfair situation we have now where 3% of the country's population pay for the clean up of 30% of the nation's beaches.

Mike Treleaven said:

'Water bills are now thudding onto our doormats and people will see that they have risen by a massive 16% in this area. Our bills are, on average, 30% higher than the rest of the country and it is just another example of West Country residents being unfairly penalised.'

He continued:

We are calling on the Government to equalise bills over the country to remove this injustice. Legislation to allow this was introduced in the 1970's but repealed in the 80's. Liberal Democrat M.P. Richard Younger Ross put forward an amendment to the Water Bill last year calling for fairer treatment but although Government minister, Elliot Morley acknowledged the problem he instructed labour M.Ps to vote against it.'

' People are fed up with paying these huge charges which, again, hit pensioners and low earners hardest. Even the meagre support available to low income Council Tax payers is not available to help with water bills. This petition is an opportunity for people to express their disgust with the present situation - hundreds of people in the constituency have already signed up and the people of Totnes will have the opportunity on Saturday morning in the Market Square from 10.00 - 12.00 a.m.'