APPALLED welfare chiefs at Lancashire County Council are considering taking North West Water to court in a bid to stop it installing pre-payment devices in poor families' homes.

As many as 40,000 homes could get the devices which cut off water if it is not paid for in advance.

The county's welfare rights and anti-poverty sub-committee was told devices had been tried out in South Wales, and other water companies may follow suit.

They work on a "smart card" credit system with customers having to buy credit in advance at outlets such as post offices. "We are appalled that North West Water should even consider this action," said committee chairman Coun Frank McKenna.

"This means North West Water is prepared to withdraw the most fundamental ingredient necessary to maintain life and health.

"Effectively, they are asking poor people to disconnect themselves from their water supply if they can't afford to pay in advance.

"We will be joining with other local authorities in protest about this proposal and we will be seeking legal advice as to the possibility of taking action to prevent the devices being used in the North West."

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