Water customers in the South West pay an average of �400 a year, compared to the national figure of �280.

South West Water said it was aware some people struggled to pay their bills but it would support government initiatives which sought to combat the problem.

The petition was being presented on Wednesday by Bob Doy, a retired GP from Exmouth.

Bills in the South West are higher partly because of the cost of keeping the region's sea water clean.

Last month, Devon MP Adrian Sanders proposed a top limit on charges, suggesting low-income households have their bills capped at no more than 3% of their income.