Hoteliers wait for water verdict
Hoteliers in north London and west Hertfordshire could receive a boost to their demands for compensation from their local water company later this month.
The hotels are claiming thousands of pounds from Three Valleys Water following contamination of their supplies with a parasitic bug last March. Three Valleys has so far refused to compensate them, stating that it has no legal liability for claims of financial loss.
But a report from the government's Drinking Water Inspectorate, which should be completed by the end of February, is due to show whether the privatised water company was at fault. It could also lead to a prosecution.
"If the report shows they have been negligent in any way, it's going to be much easier for us to bring action against them," said Michael Smith, managing director of the 84-bedroom Cumberland hotel in Harrow, which claims it had to fork out some £5,000 for bottled water over 16 days.
In St Albans, the 92-bedroom Sopwell House hotel is claiming about £5,000 and the 111-bedroom Noke Thistle in St Albans says it spent £600. Michael Goligher, assistant to Thistle's company secretary, said he was waiting to see what was in the report before deciding on further action.
