UK water company chiefs have come in for sharp criticism in the press this weekend for taking big pay increases at the same time as big hikes in customers’ bills.

Yorkshire Water has announced more upgrades as part of  its £60 million programme of work to maintain and modernise reservoir sites across the region.

In its latest trading update consulting and business services group Mouchel Group plc said its order book and pipeline both remain at around £2 billion. The update did not provide any profit or revenue targets.

United Utilities is starting work on a major five year £21 million trunk mains cleaning programme, beginning with the Wirral.

The Competition Commission’s (CC) recent findings on the appeal by Bristol Water Plc against Ofwat’s decision on the prices it charges its customers raises questions in the event of potential applications by other water companies for interim price increases between now and 2015.

The Government has announced that water industry regulator Ofwat will be reviewed to ensure it is fit for future challenges.

Plans for a major sewer flooding alleviation scheme in Gloucester are being put on display next month by Severn Trent Water.

A 1960s sewer which runs alongside the main Bristol to London railway line has been repaired using no dig technology.