SEVERN Trent Water (STW) customers are being encouraged to report water leaks which can develop in the winter.

STW has a network of pipes that would stretch around the world, and so customers often spot the leaks before the firm.

Malcolm Whittaker, from STW who has been finding and fixing leaks in the region for more than 30 years, said: "We take leakage very seriously, fixing on average 121 leaks per day and we want to bring leakage levels down as much as possible so that water isn’t wasted.

"This is particularly important when it’s cold as leaks can turn to ice and become very dangerous to the public.

"Engineers like me work day and night finding and fixing leaks and bursts, however we recognise that there may be some leaks that are still out there that we don’t know about.

“So we need our customers help.

"In many cases, we don’t know where leaks are until our customers report them. Please don’t assume we already know about the burst or leak, even if it is a large one: particularly in rural areas where it’s possible for leaks to run for days without being noticed."

Leaks or bursts are repaired on a priority basis, with those affecting customers’ water supply being fixed first.

Customers can check whether leaks have already been reported by visiting the STW website, and click on the check my area map section.

If a leak hasn't been reported call the STW's leakline number, free on most landlines. on 0800 783 4444.