JOSIE Lewis has been threatened with bailiffs because she is refusing to pay her water bill.

Ms Lewis, of Morstone Road, Wootton Bassett, will not hand over her money because she says the water is disgusting.

Thames Water insists it has tested the water twice because of her complaints and found it fit to drink.

Ms Lewis says engineers for Thames Water have told her the problem is because the borehole pumps at Ashton Keynes are sucking in air.

This leaves residents in parts of Wootton Bassett, including Morstone Road, Station Road and Whitehill Lane, with cloudy water.

Ms Lewis, 53, stopped paying in December after Thames Water failed to keep their 20-day promise for resolving complaints.

Now she has received a letter warning her that debt collectors could come calling.

Administrator Ms Lewis, who spent nine months complaining before finally deciding to stop paying, said: "Thames Water's call centre denied there was a problem.

"They also denied they have received any other complaint, but that is not true.

"My neighbours complained but have given up because they got nowhere or were assured the water was safe to drink.

"I eventually stopped paying, which they didn't like and threatened to send debt collectors around if I did not pay."

But Ms Lewis is not concerned about the threat of bailiffs.

"The law protects the consumer," she said. "If there is a dispute, it is for the courts or mediary to decide who is at fault and what should be paid.

"The water looks disgusting. If you pour a glass of water from the tap it takes up to two minutes to clear.

"You would be reluctant to wash your face in it because it turns cloudy in the basin. Why should I pay the same amount of money as people who have a better quality supply?"

Thames Water spokesman Ross Edwards said the company would pursue the debt, as Ms Lewis had no reason not to pay.

"Our customer services have had water quality complaints from Ms Lewis dating back to 2005. We have been out and tested the water on two occasions and on both times we have confirmed that the water quality was safe to drink.

"On that basis, we will be pushing through with the debt recovery."

Other Wootton Bassett residents say the water is unfit to drink.

Liz Morton, of Marlborough Road, said: "The water here is terrible. I have had to buy a filter and to filter every drop of water in the kettle and the children's drinks is quite expensive."

Branscombe Drive resident Adrian Morse added: "It needs to be softened to make it decent."