WATER bosses should look elsewhere for savings rather than targeting pensioners, claims charity Age Concern.

Alan Richardson, Burnley outreach officer, expressed concern over North West Water's proposals to introduce Smart Card prepayment water meters reinforcing the view of Burnley Council and Burnley and Pendle Racial Equality Council.

He said: "Older people, especially the ones who live alone, already have to pay too much for their water supply.

"This proposed installation of advanced technology will only add to their worries about paying for what they take for granted an essential service and the possibility of being cut off.

"Older people could also suffer mobility problems and maybe not be able to get to the shops to purchase the card."

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