WATER company shareholders have been blasted for putting profit before customers on the day they were due to vote on multi-thousand pound pay perks for bosses.

Shareholders of United Utilities, the parent company of North West Water, were deciding today whether to launch long-term incentive plans to replace share perks for top bosses.

The scheme could almost double the salaries of some of top names, and debate was expected to take up most of the day's business at the company's annual meeting.

At least five of United Utilities' largest institutional shareholders said to be set to vote against proposals.

But OFWAT chairman Anthony Goldstone said more time should be taken considering whether the system was supplying the needs of customers.

"The main issue should be about whether customers are getting a fair deal. This should be the big issue, yet it is not.

"Shareholders appear to be more interested in share prices and salaries than their customers and that does not do anyone any good." Cartoon fat cats were handing out leaflets to the shareholders as they arrived for the annual meeting of United Utilities in Manchester.

Adrian Dilworth, vice-president of Purge, a coalition of unions and individuals, said it was hard enough to accept the "massive" pay increases announced recently. They took executive salaries at United Utilities over the "£250,000 mark", he said.

"The suggested bonus scheme, which could more than double this, is just too much. Consumers and employees of United Utilities deserve a better deal."

As soaring temperatures have sent reservoir levels plummeting to less than half full, the hosepipe ban is set to stay in force throughout the summer.

NWW spokeswoman Janice Reeve reminded householders the ban was still in force and anyone breaking the rules could face prosecution.

Verbal warnings had been given, but no-one had been taken to court for using a hosepipe.

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