Window cleaners claim they will go out of business if the Government accepts a drought order request made by Southern Water.

They are objecting to an application to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) made by the Worthing-based utility. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said window cleaners and car washers would be at "severe risk" if a ban on non-essential water use was imposed.

But the water company, along with Mid Kent and Sutton and East Surrey Water, which all want to restrict use, said it was not taking the move lightly.

The FSB said firms will have invested thousand of pounds in their businesses on credit and would be unable to pay off their bills.

Under the drought order, window cleaners would be unable to use water-fed poles, which reach up to six storeys high and prevent the need for ladders.

Gembrite window cleaners, in Third Avenue, Hove, specialises in cleaning high windows using the special poles, which comply with EU safety laws.

Director Gillian Beach said: "It would be disastrous for us if the drought order was imposed because a lot of our work depends on water-fed pole systems.

"The view from Defra is that it is easy to close down a window cleaning business for six months and then just start again, which is very insulting.

"We have been in business for 30 years and built up a loyal customer base, what right would we have to turn to them and say: 'Can you wait for six months?'

"They have suggested we can import water in tanks but that would be too expensive. Companies from outside will come in and take our business.

"Surely the number one priority is to fix the leaks and then everyone knows exactly where they stand. As it stands, they are hitting the wrong people."

Ken Stevens, FSB East Sussex regional officer, said: "The water companies' lack of understanding of small businesses is staggering and reeks of arrogance.

Small firms could well go out of business because of their actions and their dismissal of this as a consequence is shocking. It is worth reminding them that if they invested more of their profits in fixing leaks then there would not be a shortage.

"The amount used by small firms is a drop in the ocean compared to the amount lost by the water companies through leakage."

Bryan Dolby, chairman of The Federation of Window Cleaners, said environmental concerns were important but drought orders could "drive people out of business".

In its submission to the drought order inquiry Southern Water admitted window cleaners and car washers would be "greatly impacted" by further restrictions.

It said: "The small scale of many of these businesses means that this economic activity will not cease for just the duration of the ban but may close permanently."

However, it argues that new firms will emerge to fill the gap once the order is lifted, making the economic cost "relatively low" over the medium term.

The Environment Agency has warned that standpipes or supply cuts may be used as a last resort. Decisions on the drought order applications are still pending.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006