Thousands of window cleaners could lose their jobs if water firms are allowed to introduce tough banning measures.

Cleaning firms will today come head-to-head with the first water company attempting to introduce historic restrictions on commercial water use.

A Defra hearing will decide whether Sutton and East Surrey Water, which supplies the Gatwick area, can invoke a "non-essential use ban".

Window cleaners will be supported by car wash owners, the Federation of Small Businesses and legal advisers.

On April 11, another hearing at the Ardington Hotel, Steyne Gardens, Worthing, will decide whether Southern Water can introduce a ban across most of Sussex.

Mark Groves, of Brighton-based Groves Window Cleaning Ltd, said: "It is going to affect all window cleaners. If there is a total ban, it will be imposed on thousands of people.

"The amount we use will not make a difference to them. We are an industry. Why should we suffer?"

The six-month ban, which could be extended, would prevent the use of water-fed brushes which reach up to 60ft. Window cleaners cannot return to the bucket-and-mop method because Health and Safety Working at Heights rules prevent them from climbing ladders if another method is available.

Mr Groves, whose firm cleans commercial windows across the South-East, said: "If we are stopped from working we will all be out of a job. I have had a business for 21 years. It is not very fair."

The firm is metered and uses 600 to 700 litres a day. Water-fed poles use a litre of water a minute.

Danny Higham, who works for C&C Cleaning Services Ltd, said: "The water firms will be destroying a lot of local businesses."

The ban could outlaw watering public gardens, parks, allotments and other open spaces including sports grounds, as well as car washing, filling of privately-owned swimming pools, spas and splash pools.

Water firms said they had applied to ban all the activities listed under the Drought Direction 1991 and it was up to Defra how far it would extend.

A Southern Water spokesman: "This is a Defra ruling and any representations should be made to them."

A Defra spokesman said anyone with concerns could make representations. Window cleaners are invited to sign a petition against the ban at www.apwc.info/html/droughtinformation.html .

Wednesday, March 29, 2006