PEOPLE will stop washing because of compulsory water metering, according to an angry landlord.

George Georgiades says the meters - to be installed across Bromley as part of a Thames Water trial - will "encourage dirtiness".

The 62-year-old, who rents out a flat in Stapleton Road, Orpington, says he was stunned when told by his new tenant that Thames Water wanted to install a meter.

This is part of a trial where homes across Bromley and Croydon will have the devices installed within the next four years when their occupants change.

From 2010, Thames Water plans to install them across its entire supply area.

At the moment customers can choose whether to have a meter installed or have an estimated water bill.

Mr Georgiades said: "I spoke to Thames Water, which effectively said you're going to have a water meter whether you like it or nor not'.

"But charging people for how much they use is going to encourage dirtiness. This will spread disease because I suspect people will economise.

"They are not going to waste money on personal hygiene."

Mr Georgiades, of Elmcroft Road, Orpington, says the only way to avoid water meters would be to move out of the borough.

He believes everyone will be affected if all water companies are allowed to charge for exactly what people use.

The father-of-three added: "Quite frankly, I do not like being told what to do and it's the thin end of the wedge.

"If someone weighs 20st and takes up more space, why do they not pay more tax?

"I think airlines will try to do it with people who weigh more and make them pay more for excess baggage."

A Thames Water spokesman, who declined to comment on whether people would wash less, said: "Past experience suggests the installation of meters reduces demand for water but we want to better understand this.

"We have chosen Bromley and Croydon for our studies because water resources in south London are under pressure so there is a real need to preserve supplies."

The postcode areas included in the trial are: CR0, CR2, CR4, CR7, BR1, BR2, BR3, BR4, BR5, BR6, BR7 and BR8.

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