Southern Water sent a bill to Tim Bennett,17, of Argent Close Seaford, as the executor of his grandmother's estate.

Joan Shoesmith lived in sheltered housing at Mitchell House, Lexden Drive, Seaford.

When she died Tim and his family made sure everyone was informed of her death.

Tim said: 'My nan passed away on December 6 last year.

'On Tuesday we got a letter from Southern Water demanding £367.

'They have had copies of the death certificates three or four different times.

'We spoke to them yesterday and they said we have to pay it and they won't take no for an answer.

'It has made my mum really distressed and that is why I have taken over dealing with it.'

But Southern Water told the Express they had now looked at the account and would be writing it off.

A spokesman said: 'Firstly we wish to sincerely apologies for any distress caused to the executors of Ms Joan Shoesmith.

'When we become aware that one of our customers has passed away, we ensure that the account is closed and any outstanding balance or credit remaining on the account is normally forwarded to the executors of the deceased's estate.

'If the final account has an outstanding final balance and the estate of the deceased customer has no funds, we will write off any outstanding balances following confirmation in writing for the executors that the estate has no funds to settle the bill.

'We can confirm that Ms Shoesmith outstanding account has been submitted for write off and we can only therefore reiterate our sincere apologies for the distress caused by our delay in progressing this action.'