DISGUSTED trader Gary Davis has hit out at cash-rich North West Water - after he was landed with a big bill for "collecting rain off the roof."

Gary, who runs Gary's Discount Furniture store in Blackburn Road, Accrington, had all the water services disconnected to minimise bills.

But he was shocked when he received a bill of £480 for 18 months of 'surface water drainage' to his 16ft by 30ft shop premises.

Said Gary: "This is money they are charging to take water off the roof when it rains.

"I haven't got any running water or a toilet in the shop and I'm paying twice as much as I do in my house.

"I'm on the ground floor of a three-storey building and they say my bill has been divided by three. The other two storeys are empty, but if they weren't they'd be charging the same for the others. "No wonder they are earning so much. It's a licence to print money!"

North West Water's parent company, United Utilities, makes about £1 million profit a day, it was revealed recently.

"I know of a shop in Great Harwood which pays £15 a year. I don't know how they can justify this charge," Mr Davis added.

However, a spokeswoman for North West Water said the company had to make a charge for drainage to maintain the system and prevent flooding.

She pointed out that the bill included a charge for arrears and the actual annual bill for surface water drainage was £315. The charges are based on the rateable value of the property, she added.

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