TRURO PENSIONER WINS WATER DISPUTE WITH SWW
Liberal Democrat campaigner, Terrye Teverson, condemned South West Water this week for not taking action earlier to help an elderly pensioner in Truro.
Living alone in Carvedras Court, Mr. Ellul was shocked to find his 2008 2nd quarter water bill was 8 times higher than usual. Fearing there had been a leak in the pipes after workmen had repaired a meter outside his home, the pensioner contacted South West Water but was told he was responsible for any leaks on his property.
"I told South West Water that I thought the problem was outside my home, not inside," Mr. Ellul said.
"This was obviously caused by their own repair men when they had been doing some work earlier in the year. It's very difficult to hear on these call lines. I was put on hold and handed from person to person. I found the whole thing very stressful and my huge water bill was still outstanding."
Mrs. Teverson met Mr. Ellul when she was visiting pensioners in Carvedras Court in Truro. He told her that his water bills from South West Water were astronomic and said he had been unable to do anything about it.
Mrs. Teverson said, "Mr. Ellul's water bills had always been consistently low. The one he received in for the February to May quarter was much higher than normal. It was obviously way too much for a gentleman who lives alone."
Mr. Ellul refused to pay his water bill until he received a solicitor's letter threatening him with court action if he didn't pay up.
"I was so worried I immediately went to the post office and paid the bill in full. What else could I do? South West Water wouldn't listen to me and wanted to take me to court. I don't have that kind of money to spare but I really didn't have any choice. Most pensioners I know would rather go without food, than leave a bill like this unpaid." Mr. Ellul explained.
Mrs. Teverson canvassed the pensioner in his home, and was able to take up the matter with SWW and Matthew Taylor MP on his behalf. After a SWW representative visited Mr. Ellul's home, it was agreed the leak was not his responsibility and he should not have to pay for it.
"When I visited Mr. Ellul this week I discovered he had still not received any money from SWW. It turns out they were holding his money as a credit on his account. Bearing in mind it would take him 18 months to use up this balance it seemed ridiculous. Pensioners need their money in their pocket not stuck in SWW's bank!" Mrs. Teverson said.
After ringing SWW Mrs. Teverson has been assured Mr. Ellul will receive a cheque within 20 days.
"He will get no interest on his money and no real apology for all the stress and worry caused. It would be nice to think that after having taken this gentleman's money by threatening him with court and then taking such a long time to refund it, SWW might make a gesture of goodwill for all the distress caused." She continued.
Mrs. Teverson concluded," Time after time I come across pensioners who are having a raw deal. They cannot speak to real people and find it hard to get their point across to call centres. People get these demanding letters and end up paying them. There are probably millions of pounds unjustly taken by these big companies every year. It's a national outrage."