AS its American parent company stands on the brink of bankruptcy, Wessex Water is assuring customers not to worry

After the collapse of a rescue deal with rival company, Dynegy, Enron is facing an uncertain future.

The collapse of merger talks was announced last Wednesday, after it became clear that the company was in deeper trouble than was first thought.

A spokesman for Wessex Water said: "Since the takeover we have continued to operate independently and we are protected by regulations. Whatever happens to Enron it won't have any affect on our business or our services."

Wessex Water supplies drinking water to 1.2 million people in 513,000 properties in the South West and provides sewerage services to 2.4 million. The company was bought by Enron in 1998.

A spokesman said: "If Wessex Water is taken over it will be by a company that will continue to provide the highest quality service. At the moment it is business as usual for us."