Water bill rise in pipeline

Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water's 180,000 customers are facing an increase in their bills.

The company has applied to industry regulator Ofwat for an immediate price review after a slump in demand for water meters.

Ofwat said it would make a final decision in January on whether to increase bills, which were an average of £102 this year.

Managing Director Tony Cooke said: "By addressing this issue now it will enable us to make price increases to customers smoother over a longer period."

It will be the second time that the company has approached Ofwat for a price review.

Mr Cooke said the new application was sparked by a decline in demand for water from industrial customers.