DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott today pledged to "talk tough" to water companies, including North West Water and press on with plans for five-year leak reduction targets.

The region's water company today welcomed the "constructive attitude" of the Government as they prepared for a water summit called by Mr Prescott to discuss supply shortages.

Mr Prescott, who has responsibility for the environment,was expected to insist on measures to cut consumption, end waste and save rivers and other beauty spots.

"I think the public wants me to talk tough," Mr Prescott told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"There's been enough talk of crisis management and that this problem will soon go away when the rain comes back.

"It's not that, it's about the long-term management of a vital resource, water, that is not being used efficiently and effectively. "What we have got to do is bring in the proper regulatory form and to be quite tough with the industry that is not doing quite enough to meet the targets set for them by the regulator."

Mr Prescott said he wanted to go further at today's meeting in London than the regulator's call for leakage controls of only one year.

"I want it set for five years. That is one of my proposals today."

He wanted to improve compensation rates for customers and introduce an efficiency audit.

North West Water Operations managing director Harry Croft said: "We are pleased that the Government has recognised that water is a precious resource and that using it responsibly requires a partnership between water companies, consumers and environmental organisations."

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