The threat of thousands of job losses in the window cleaning business has been lifted for the immediate future.
Window cleaners say their livelihoods will probably survive this summers drought after they were granted special dispensation to use water-fed poles.
Two water firms in Sussex have permission to restrict commercial water use this year. But neither are likely to stop window cleaners using water-fed poles to clean windows above ground level.
Sutton and East Surrey Water, which covers the Gatwick area, has already implemented the drought order granted by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. But Defra has granted a special dispensation to window cleaners. They are banned from connecting the poles to the mains but can use them with portable water tanks.
Mark Groves, of Brighton-based Groves Window Cleaning Ltd, said: "It is a relief." He added: "If we get to mid-July and nothing else has happened, we will relax."
A spokeswoman for Southern Water said the firm had not yet decided when or if to bring in its drought order.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
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