IN AN industry first, Bournemouth Water’s owner South West Water will soon be sharing £20 million with customers after outperforming its last business plan.

From today, customers are being invited to choose how they would like to receive their £20

This is part of the company’s unique WaterShare+ scheme, an innovative feature of Bournemouth Water’s 2020-25 ‘New Deal’.

Customers can choose to either receive a credit on their water bill or have shares in Pennon Group plc, Bournemouth Water and South West Water's parent company.

Clients who choose not to have shares will automatically receive a £20 credit on their next bill.

Pennon Group Chief Executive Susan Davy said: “This innovative scheme is about doing the right thing, ensuring our customers remain at the heart of our service and success.

"Driven by our values and guided by what customers want, we hope WaterShare+ will build new levels of trust and transparency.

“Society expects water companies to do more than deliver the basics. WaterShare+ is one of the ways we’re rising to the challenge.

“It symbolises who we are as a business, supporting the lives of people and the places they love for generations to come.”