CUSTOMERS in Winsford and Middlewich are being urged to make their views count in a major new consultation exercise being launched by North West Water.

The company wants to know what people think about its water and wastewater charges.

The consultation is part of a periodic review being held by the water watchdog, Ofwat, which will set new price limits for bills in the years 2000 to 2005.

Over the next few weeks, customers will receive a leaflet called 'Water For You', which will give them the chance to register for a questionnaire.

This will ask for their views on issues such as lead, leakage and hosepipe bans, smells from wastewater treatment works and environmental improvements.

Bob Armstrong, North West Water's customer services director, says it is important that as many people as possible give their opinions.

He said: "By the end of the 1990s, North West Water will have invested more than £5 billion in improving water and wastewater services in the region.

"We will continue to invest in services to meet legal obligations, but on top of this there are always extra tasks that could be tackled to meet the expectations of our customers and the communities we serve.

"The level of investment has an impact on our customers' bills. It's a question of balancing the cost to customers and the benefits to both customers and the environment of any extra improvements we make."

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