Southern Water Boycotter Claire Takes Her Fight to Court

Claire's supporters had a message for Southern Water

Claire North, one of the BWB original boycotters from Barnham in West Sussex, faced off against Southern Water in court on Monday 23 February after witholding payment for THREE YEARS.

Claire told the BBC News, which covered the case: 'We should try and stand up to these companies. People want real change.'

The mum-of-two decided to withold payment to criminal polluters Southern Water after taking her children to the beach one day and seeing raw sewage.

She said: 'We need to try and think of the future and what we're leaving behind for our children.

She added that water companies like Southern Water are destroying our environment and that frequent sewage spills, failing infrastructure and water supply interruptions are affecting people's quality of life.

'I've got the money in the bank, and I am able to pay,' she said. 'But it's just the principle.

Nothing seems to be changing very quickly.'

Claire's fight was featured on the BBC

Claire said that while companies like Southern Water were not fulfilling their duty to their customers by continuing to pollute seas and rivers, more people should boycott their water bills. This could mean something as simple and easy as cancelling direct debits.

Sadly, Claire was unsuccessful in her claim against Southern Water and was ordered to pay the company the amount charged in unpaid bills but she said afterwards that despite it being a difficult experience she was pleased to have taken a stand and was now considering her next step.

Boycott water bills salutes all those who take a courageous stand against criminal polluters. If you want to take action, see our Home page for advice on where to start.