WINDOW cleaners face being put out of business because of the restriction on the use of water, businesses warned yesterday.
The Federation of Small Businesses said there was a "severe risk" that firms which used long hoses to clean windows could go bust.
The problem was particularly acute across southern England where bans have been introduced on the use of hoses.
John Holbrow, national environment chairman of the Federation, accused water companies of a "staggering" failure to understand the scale of the problem.
"Small firms could well go out of business because of their actions and their dismissal of this as a consequence is shocking.
"It is worth reminding the water companies that if they invested more of their profits in fixing leaks there would not be a water shortage in the first place."
Stephen Alambritis, Chief Spokesman for the Federation said window cleaners had been trying to seek assurances from water companies that they would not be affected by the restrictions, but they complained they had not been given any clear guidance.
A spokesman for Thames Water, one of the firms to introduce restrictions, said window cleaners were not affected by its restrictions.
The company revealed it had received 130 complaints from customers about neighbours using hose pipes or sprinklers despite the ban.
The company is writing to people reminding them of the ban before it decides whether to take any legal action.
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