A pensioner received a debt collector’s letter from a water bill before payment was overdue.

The letter was dated November 1, three days before the due date, which was when he had actually paid.

Michael Worsfold, 71, of Markland Road, Dover, said: “I paid the bill in full at my bank and when I got home found the debt collection letter. It was such a shock, I couldn’t believe it.

“I contacted Southern Water who offered no explanation but said that would arrange for a written apology and deal with company concerned. Is anyone else getting the same treatment or have I been singled out?”

Mr Worsfold received a £122.96 bill for April to October dated October 25 with payment due by November 4.

On that last day he had paid through his bank and as soon as he got home he found a letter, dated November 1, from Orbital.

This is a company that acts for a water supplier as soon as it is told that a customer has fallen behind.

The letter to Mr Worsfold asked for the money to arrive by November 6.

Mr Worsfold, a retired civil servant and P&O Ferries employee, is a married man with a young family consisting of two sons, aged 12 and 19.

The 19-year-old, Edward, has an ongoing health issue so has greater water needs, which is why the family are on a Watersure discount rate. The family pay a set rate as each bill arrives.

Southern Water spokesman Nicola Crighton said last week: “We sent this letter to the customer by mistake.

“We are very sorry for any worry it may have caused.

“We are investigating the issue to avoid similar situations occurring in the future and will be in touch with the customer directly to discuss the situation.”

Mr Worsfold has since received a written apology from Southern Water and the company credited £25 to his account. It confirmed that his payments were completely up to date.