ROSSENDALE and Darwen MP Janet Anderson is in dispute with North West Water over a "ridiculous" £1,229 bill to supply her constituency office for six months.

She cannot believe that two small rooms used three mornings and the odd evening each week could result in water usage that would cost more than £2,000 a year.

Mrs Anderson has written to Sir Desmond Pitcher, chairman of parent company United Utilities, asking him to sort out the problem.

She received the demand for £1,229 for the six months up to November 28 for her office in King George's Chambers, St James's Square, Bacup.

In her letter she tells Sir Desmond she finds it hard to believe it is correct.

"I occupy two small rooms in a large office building, neither of which has a water supply.

"My part time constituency assistant works for just 12 hours a week and her meagre water usage involves her filling her kettle from the bathroom tap and using the communal toilet facilities. "I cannot see how such usage would merit an annual bill of around £2,450.

"I pay substantially less than this in rent on the premises and certainly could not afford to remain there if I am liable for this ridiculous charge every year.

"I shall be most grateful if you could look into this matter for me and let me have your comments."

Mrs Anderson said: "My office is the only one occupied in the building, but I cannot believe that this bill is right.

"It bears no relation to previous bills and something needs to be done."

A North West Water spokesman said: "We only received the letter on Monday and we are looking at it. We will be responding to Mrs Anderson shortly."

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