RYEDALE villagers tied up in a bitter battle with Yorkshire Water over sewage bills are pinning their hopes on a forthcoming meeting with consumer watchdogs.

Householders in Kirby Misperton, Scrayingham, Normanby and Marton contacted the Office of Water Services (OFWAT) last year after being billed by Yorkshire Water for sewage treatment - even though they have their own septic tanks.

The water watchdog will announce the results of its investigation on March 11.

Marton Parish Council chairman, Tom Tyler, one of many who has received a bill, including a sewerage charge, said they were waiting to hear from OFWAT before making any future decisions.

"If we get a negative response from OFWAT, then fine, but it won't stop us by any means. We intend to fight on and get some results.

"Water Watch has been a great help to us and we will seek their advice."

Mr Tyler added that in the Yorkshire region about 60 communities were receiving bills.

"Yorkshire Water is sending out bills based upon the 1991 Water Services Act, which doesn't cover these specific circumstances."

Kirby Misperton councillor, Vivienne Hughes, said she was giving her full support to the villagers.

"Something has got to be done, and I believe Yorkshire Water has got their priorities wrong."

OFWAT regional manager Paul Taylor said following their last meeting with villagers they were now seeking legal advice and contacting other water companies to see what they do, in order to establish a national picture.

"At the end of the day it's the policy of Yorkshire Water, and we can only make representations.

"I don't think Yorkshire Water will ever say they're going to drop the charges, but they did mention a possible rebate to some customers which we will be looking at."

A Yorkshire Water spokesman said: "Charging people for the sewerage service is only fair to the rest of our customers.

"We'll await the decision by OFWAT and then study it carefully before deciding what steps to take next."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.