A SENIOR Conservative Party campaigner claims York residents could see their cash drain away if their water bills are metered.

John Galvin, former Tory group leader on City of York Council, says he is "very concerned" by Liberal Democrat lobbying for water meters to be made compulsory in new homes.

He said: "With compulsory metering, all kinds of householders across York would see even higher costs because of their larger water usage - as the water consumers' organisation has warned.

"Households should have a choice on whether to have a meter. If we want to protect the environment, Yorkshire Water would do better to focus on the 141 litres lost on average every day in every property due to leaky pipes."

But Andrew Waller, the city council's deputy leader and executive member for the environment, said: "The Liberal Democrats have faced up to the facts that the demand for water is outstripping supply in many parts of the country.

"Other parts of the country are under greater pressure for water than York, but new developments here should have meters built in them from the start so

that additional burdens on the environment are reduced.

"Water companies need to be encouraged to reduce leaks, and likewise consumers should be encouraged to save water.

"This was our policy at the last General Election, and we said back then that there would be help for large families on low incomes."

Derek Smallwood, Labour shadow executive member for the environment, said: "If a poor family with a lot of kids is seeing their water bill metered it could become extremely expensive.

"We are all aware not to waste water and metered water may be wonderful for the environment. But if meters are being put in affordable homes then other measures must be put in so water can be recycled, such as water butts."

Green councillor Andy D'Agorne said: "More water could be saved by reducing wastage from leaks, cutting commercial use and installing low flush toilets, without the negative social effects meters can have on large families, the sick and elderly."

Updated: 10:19 Monday, September 08, 2003