An 82-year-old widow was left feeling let down after Anglian Water threatened her with legal action over her water bill - which she had paid.

Margaret Martin, of Church Street, in Great Maplestead, fell and broke both her ankles in May 2014.

While she was in hospital in October a bill came through for her water, asking for payment of the £125.96 bill and she sent off a cheque, thinking no more of it.

However, in December, she received another letter, this one a final demand for payment of the bill.

She ignored it, believing the bill had been paid and the issue settled.

But in February, she was horrified to receive a court summons, and a demand to pay a £25 court fee and £50 solicitors’ costs, as well as the original bill.

“They didn’t know I had broken both my ankles and was in hospital, but they still could have apologised for the horrible letters they sent me," she said.

A spokesman from Anglian Water said: “We are genuinely sorry for any upset caused at this difficult time and wish her a speedy recovery, but we would also strongly urge customers to get in touch with us if they believe they have paid but are still receiving reminder letters. "