Angry Thames Water customer Alan Edwards has received bills totalling several thousand pounds over the past two years for a household of only three people.

Mr Edwards lives with his wife Eleanor and her mother Barbara Clutton-Brock in Shipton Road, Ascott- under-Wychwood.

His problems began three years ago when a builder laying drains discovered the family shared the water supply when he accidently cut off a neighbouring property.

The meter was removed and replaced but Mr Edwards continued to receive bills for more than 5,000, which he has refused to pay.

"We keep on receiving bills for outrageous sums for water that has not been supplied," he said. "There are only three of us in the house and we certainly do not have a swimming pool. "At Thames Water's suggestion a new meter was fitted in February this year.

"Though it has been read three times we have not received a bill. Something absurd is going on. I must have spoken to least 12 different people. I simply want this dispute settled and to be sent a fair water bill."

Thames Water spokesman Andrew Boyd said: "We agree with Mr Edwards that the readings of the meter look very high.

"Our officials will visit the house this week to look into this and we hope they can make some progress.

"We are sorry that this problem has not yet been resolved."