Metering is the long term answer to water shortages

9.08.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 10th Apr 2006

Commenting on the announcement of the introduction of hosepipe bans by some South East England Water Companies, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP, said "While introducing this ban may alleviate the current crisis, the long term answer is to introduce metering across south east England. People must be encouraged to use water more prudently.

Chris went on to say "In addition, modernisation of the pipe network must continue to reduce the huge amount of water lost everyday. The GMB's proposal to build our way out of this crisis however would do nothing to cure the long-term problem."

Local Crawley campaigner Gordon Seekings said "We have seen in recent years how much work is needed to plug all the water leaks. In Northgate, as an example, a few years ago the whole of the Green Lane area had to have new pipework as in many places it had just completely eroded away. Repairing the pipe network is only common sense but it is only a short term solution. Water metering may not be popular but that does not stop it from being the right choice for the future."