NTL vows to cut off non-payers

CABLE company NTL has vowed to cut off services to 25,000 customers who refuse to pay their bills. The firm said it was losing 5m each year from the minority of defaulters among its 368,000 subscribers.

Those who refuse to pay their bill within a 14-day period receive a warning letter and then have seven days to pay before the service is withdrawn.

However, after complaints by the Consumer Association, NTL has made clear that it will only target customers who consistently refuse to pay their bills.