SEVERN Trent Water has today welcomed the industry regulator Ofwat’s publication of data that shows more water consumers than ever are making use of specialised services on offer to them.

It adds that more can be done to ensure its customers know about the different services available to help smooth their dealings with the company.

“We’re always looking for ways of improving the way in which we work with and communicate with our customers, particularly those who may be more vulnerable through age or disability,” said Severn Trent’s customer contact team manager, Peter Green.

“We’ve a number of initiatives at the moment which, we hope, will make a difference to our customers and meet their needs.

“For example, we are working very closely with Neighbourhood Watch groups and community police officers across our region to help stamp out distraction burglary.

“We operate a password protection scheme that enables customers to ensure they only allow bona fide Severn Trent employees into their homes.

“More than half of bogus caller crimes committed in the UK are carried out by criminals pretending to be from a water company or the long-extinct water board.”

Severn Trent is also looking at new technologies to help deaf customers to contact it using text messages to mobile phones, while continuing to promote its existing alternative format literature and billing for those with sight impairments – such as large print, Braille and audio services.

“We’ve also recently launched a new Access to our Services brochure in larger, 14pt print size, which gives a clear description of the whole range of free services we have on offer,” said Mr Green.

A copy of the brochure is available by calling 0800 7 500 500 or by visiting the website at www.stwater.co.uk/access.