Water supply ‘under threat’

THAMES Water warned yesterday that Brexit could threaten supplies as their profits plunged.

The firm are talking to the Government about stockpiling the chemicals needed to ensure drinking water is safe in the event of a no-deal.

Boss Steve Robertson said there was no risk of a shortage but added the industry were seeking to safeguard supplies.

Thames recorded a 69 per cent slide in half-year profits to £67.7million and blamed the cold winter and hot summer for an increase in burst pipes and leaks.

Customer complaints soared to 11,083 from 8242. Robertson admitted there were “lessons we need to learn”. CHICKEN restaurant Nando’s have rustled up tastier sales, helped by UK demand. Annual revenues jumped 14.3 per cent to £969.3million with UK sales 11.7 per cent higher at £722.4million. They have 391 outlets in Britain, having added more than 20 in a year. They plan to keep growing at the same rate. HIGH street retailers recorded their worst November in three years as shoppers became jaded by Black Friday bargains.

BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker revealed store sales were down 2.6 per cent year-on-year during the month, with Black Friday week sales flat despite heavy discounting.

Lifestyle sales had their worst November in a decade with fashion sales also struggling. In contrast online demand soared 18.2 per cent during the month, the best result for internet retail this year.

Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, said: “Retailers will be very disappointed and concerned to enter the crucial Christmas period off the back of another poor month.”