South West Water 'must work harder'

SWW said it welcomed a fall in complaints

South West Water (SWW) has been warned to improve its performance by water watchdogs, the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

Complaints fell 5% last year, but complaints to water companies in England and Wales fell by nearly 17%.

CCW chairwoman Dame Yve Buckland said South West Water must work harder to prove that their services were good value for money.

SWW said it had spent £4m improving customer services.

Dame Buckland said: "The company's higher than average complaint numbers have traditionally been linked to its higher than average prices, and South West Water must work harder to prove to customers that their services are good value for money."

South West Water spokeswoman Monica Read said: "We regret every issue which leads to a complaint and we work hard to resolve them quickly.

"We have invested £4m in recent years in our customer service, including major improvements at our award-winning Exeter call centre, so I welcome these figures which show that complaints are continuing to fall.

"However we are determined to reduce complaints much more.

"Our customers expect a first-class service and value for money."