 Free water was promised after local men built the Silent Valley reservoir |
A County Down community could be exempt from water charges when they are introduced in Northern Ireland in two years' time. An obscure Act of Parliament seems to promise the concession to the people of Kilkeel - granted after eight local men died in the building of the Silent Valley Resevoir, which was finished in 1933.
The Belfast Water Act of 1893 provides for 50,000 gallons a year to be given free to the town.
The Department of Regional Development said it was aware of the claim and is taking advice.
 I am sure the people of Kilkeel would want me to take this matter before the courts to prove their right to free water  Jim Wells
DUP assembly member |
It says it does not forsee any exemption from the charges when they are introduced.
However, local DUP assembly member Jim Wells said if the Act had not been repealed, the exemption should still stand.
"I am sure the people of Kilkeel would want me to take this matter before the courts to prove their right to free water," he said.
"This would be an average saving of between �200 and �300 per person in the town Kilkeel so it is a large amount of money they would save if we can prove this to be the case."
One-Minute World News 
News services
Email this to a friend 
Printable version 
