Former water bosses escape action

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Severn Trent Water has announced it will not take action against former management over its £2m fine for giving false information on leakages.

The company also said it would not appeal against the fine, issued in July for offences in 2001 and 2002.

Chairman Sir John Egan said there were "indefensible shortcomings" in Severn Trent's previous leadership.

He said the current management had spent four years putting the firm back on track.

Sir John said: "Having considered very carefully all the options and possible outcomes and having taken legal advice, we have decided not to pursue the former management.

"There would be no guarantee of success or recompense and therefore such action would not be in the best interests of our customers and other stakeholders."

The fine, which was issued at the Central Criminal Court on 1 July, followed a probe by the Serious Fraud Office.

Severn Trent supplies water to much of the Midlands.