MEON Valley MP George Hollingbery has welcomed news that water meters will be rolled out to Durley, Soberton and Bishop’s Waltham.

The scheme, scheduled for completion by 2015, is designed to secure water resources and reduce water use.

It is slated to begin in parts of the Meon Valley by the end of July, it’s part of a five-year programme across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent.

Mr Hollingbery said: “For smaller households this may mean smaller bills. Of course I am conscious that the reverse is also true. I am hopeful that the ‘Changeover Tariff’, which phases in higher bills over three years, will give families some breathing space.

“Water companies must also ensure that water prices are kept at a level which means that large families are not disproportionately hit by the changes.”