WATER bills in Wyre Forest are in line for a major hike if controversial proposals get the go-ahead.

Severn Trent Water is seeking increases in rates of 31 per cent over the next five years, with 11 per cent of that in 2005.

That would put an additional £57 on the average bill of £210 over the five-year period - and that would be on top of inflation.

WaterVoice Central, the consumer watchdog for Severn Trent customers, said it was "shocked" and described the proposals as "not affordable and not acceptable".

It has urged customers to make their voices heard at a public meeting at Kidderminster Town Hall on July 15 at 2pm.

Severn Trent is looking for the rise to fund a major £160 million investment in its Worcestershire infrastructure as part of a regional investment programme.

The sum includes £1.6 million to upgrade and maintain Kidderminster's sewage treatment works, along with three others in the county.

The five-year plan also involves spending £21 million on tackling nitrates in drinking water and £33 million on renewing and maintaining the mains network, much of which dates back to the Victorian age. Sewer flooding has been allocated £5 million.

The country's nine other water and sewage companies are seeking bill increases averaging 29 per cent to fund extra investment.

Severn Trent's managing director, Brian Duckworth, said: "While prices will have to rise to fund this programme, it is accepted the average household bill in the Midlands will still be among the best value in the country, at around 73p a day by 2010 at today's prices."

Severn Trent's business plan will now go to price regulator, Ofwat, which is due to give its ruling in December.

Will Dawson, regional manager of WaterVoice Central, said: "We are shocked that these rises are considered to be necessary. The increases appear to be a result of changes in taxation, further improvements to water quality and the environment, as well as the need to maintain and improve pipes and sewers.

"We support extra spending to address properties at risk of foul flooding but, overall, the Severn Trent capital investment plan is huge - affordability is a key issue for many customers."