DOUBLE HONOURS ACCOLADE FOR WATERVOICE WESSEX

5 Jan 2005 01:45 PM

A Bristol-based consumer watchdog for water is celebrating after its Chairman and one of its Committee members were recognised for their good work in the New Year's Honours.

WaterVoice Wessex Chairman Sheila Reiter has been awarded an OBE and WaterVoice Wessex Committee member Brenda Lalonde has earned an MBE.

Sheila Reiter, speaking from her home in Bath, said she was delighted to receive such an accolade.

"I am pleased WaterVoice's work in protecting customers' interests has been recognised and, in particular, the contribution made by my own committee for the Wessex area."

Brenda Lalonde, who has worked tirelessly looking after the interests of the underprivileged while a member of WaterVoice Wessex as well as carrying out voluntary social work across Bristol, said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive an MBE. It is a wonderful honour."

Sheila Reiter was first appointed to WaterVoice Wessex in 1995 and Brenda Lalonde, in 1991.

Notes to editors

1. WaterVoice provides a strong and independent voice for all customers of the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales.

2. WaterVoice operates through nine regional committees in England and a committee for Wales. They represent the interests of customers in respect of price, service and value for money; they also investigate complaints from customers about their water company.

3. The ten WaterVoice committee Chairmen form the WaterVoice Council. The WaterVoice Council and its sub-groups deal with issues at national and European level.

4. WaterVoice Wessex is the statutory Ofwat Wessex Customer Service Committee, established under the Water Industry Act 1991 and responsible for representing the interests of customers of Bristol Water, Wessex Water, Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water and Cholderton Water.

5. The WaterVoice Annual Report 2003-04 and WaterVoice Programme 2003-04 to 2004-05 are available free of charge from the Ofwat Library, Centre City Tower, 7 Hill Street, Birmingham B5 4UA on 0121 625 1373; or on the web, at www.watervoice.org.uk

WaterVoice Wessex
2 The Hide Market, West Street
St Philips, Bristol BS2 0BH