Water charge hike could ‘push businesses over the edge’

A RISE in water charges could push some local businesses into closing, a Mid-Ulster MLA has warned.

SDLP Assemblyman Patsy McGlone was speaking after an increase of over 8 per cent was applied to unmetered non-domestic water and sewerage bills this week.

Metered businesses will also see a rise if 7 per cent on their combined bill, which took effect from Monday.

Mr McGlone said the move was unsustainable for small to medium sized businesses who he said could be paying over the odds because of the valuation of their property.