Anglian Water has hit targets to reduce sewer flooding and leakage

Consumer Council Water Eastern has backed customers questioning rises in Anglian Water bills last year.

Chairman Catherine Harvey said: "Customers are understandably asking if bills have risen too high."

The watchdog has now asked Anglian Water to consider not taking up the full amount of the price increases allowed by Ofwat from next April.

Anglian supplies water and sewerage services to homes and businesses in Cambs, Essex, Norfolk, Northants and Suffolk.

A five-year programme of repair, replacement and expansion is under way but the watchdog wants Anglian Water to invest in further service improvements.

Improved services

Mrs Harvey said: "The company has hit targets in reducing sewer flooding and leakage from its supply pipes and in upgrading its water and sewage treatment works.

"Also, we're pleased to see that Anglian don't anticipate any water restrictions in 2006.

"However, customers in the region have seen increases in their water and sewerage bills over the recent years, including 7.25% last year (2005-06).

"Anglian Water customers want to see improved services, particularly around resolving complaints more swiftly, quicker provision of water connections for new home builders, and responding effectively to the recent increase in customer demand for water meters."

An Anglian Water spokesman said: "Our increases have been among the lowest in the country for the past two years when the worst example was an 18% rise.

"Investment in water resources is important for us and has paid off this year when we have had less rainfall than the South East yet no hosepipe bans.

"We are not complacent and have kept increases this year to 2.34% while continuing to invest for our customers' benefit."