PressuRe builds

Today felt like one of those days when some chickens finally started coming home to roost for South West Water.Within hours, the company found itself under fire from both Richard Foord MP and Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil.Both are Liberal Democrats.

That's not a party political point. It's simply worth acknowledging that, while governments of all colours have largely failed to get a grip on the water industry, here are two politicians publicly calling for tougher action.

In Parliament, Mr Foord challenged ministers over what he described as "loose change" fines for a company generating hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue.

At the same time, Mr Brazil revealed Devon County Council is exploring whether it has any legal options available over sewage pollution and water quality concerns.

His comments were particularly striking.He argued that fines often end up hitting customers because "as water bill-payers, we end up paying it".Instead, he said executives should be targeted directly, suggesting "possibly surcharging executives" before adding: “There's criminal activity going on here... maybe some people should be locked up."

That's a remarkably brave statement from the leader of a local authority... and hats off to him for that!

And what was South West Water's response? Well, the usual ignorance, arrogance and ineptitude I'm afraid.New Pennon Group Plc chief executive Keith Haslett said the company could not comment on the council's plans but “fully respects the outcome of the legal process".

That was it. No acknowledgement of public frustration. No recognition that trust has been damaged. Just a carefully crafted corporate statement.Nothing significant has changed today.

But it feels as though the pressure is (finally) building.