Water firm's climate change plea

A plea to 4m customers to join the fight against climate change is to be sent out with water bills in the East.

Anglian Water is to distribute advice after welcoming a major report warning that water and sewage infrastructure are at risk from climate change.

The firm serves Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Chief executive Jonson Cox says the priority is to adapt to climate change.

He said he was recently involved in discussions on climate change with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Mr Cox said he believed the government should shift its emphasis away from trying to deal with greenhouse gases to a policy of helping businesses and consumers adapt to climate change.

Decisive action needed

Mr Cox said: "A key priority for Anglian Water is to help protect communities and customers from the worst of the potential impacts of climate change.

"Here in the East of England, with the very real threat of flooding, coastal erosion and a rise in sea levels, we are committed to taking action wherever and whenever we can.

"There is no substitute for decisive action, we are redoubling our efforts within the company, to rally support from communities, businesses and customers.

"All our future plans and investments are subject to the rigour of climate proofing."

More than 4m customers will receive their bill from Anglian Water in the coming months.

Included in the accompanying literature will be advice on how everyone can do their bit to tackle climate change and reduce their carbon footprint.