THE fight to stop controversial pre-payment meters being installed at homes in Burnley and Pendle goes to the High Court in London on November 24.

Lancashire County Council is challenging the decision by water watchdog Ofwat not to ban North West Water from using the meters, which automatically cut off anyone who falls behind with payment.

"The issue is not about whether people should pay their water bills, but whether the supply of water to households and families can be cut off without reference to the legal safeguards which have always been considered so important," said the council's anti-poverty chief Frank McKenna.

Lancashire and five other authorities are arguing that pre-payment meters are illegal because the law states that people can only be disconnected after their case has been heard at the county court.

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