The outlook for the construction industry has deteriorated sharply over the last three months according to the latest forecasts from the Construction Products Association.

The merger of South East Water and Mid Kent Water looks set to take place later this month, subject to final regulatory clearance. The merger  of the two water companies will create the second-largest water supply company in England and Wales.

South Staffordshire Water was sold by the Bahrain-based Arcapita Bank yesterday to the independent private investment firm Alinda Capital Partners at an estimated price of £400 millon.

In its latest trading update Pennon Group Plc, owners of South West Water, said that financial performance since 31 March 2009 has been in line with management expectations.

South West Water has been ordered to pay £3,883 in fines and costs following a sewage spill at St Agnes, Cornwall that resulted in pollution of a nearby beach.

South West Water recently received planning approval and has started work on a first time waste water treatment scheme that will dramatically improve the quality of the coastal waters in Boscastle, Bossiney and Tintagel.

JP Morgan Asset Management, together with Australian Challenger Infrastructure Fund, has bought Southern Water from owners Royal Bank of Scotland for ₤4.2 billion.

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has put their water utility Southern Water up for sale for around £4 billion sources announced on Sunday.

Thames, the UK's largest water company, has reported a strong recovery in operational and financial performance in its preliminary results for 2007-08.

Members of the Vale of White Horse District Council have unanimously called for a public inquiry to thoroughly investigate Thames Water's case for a reservoir.