Comedian Steve Coogan (pictured), the creator of Alan Partridge, joined protesters outside United Utilities' Lake District offices this week. : Hedge funds are betting against Britain’s listed utilities after a cash crisis at Thames Water highlighted soaring debt levels across the industry. New York firm Millennium has taken a short position on supplier United Utilities, which has been accused of dumping sewage in the Lake District. While Arrowstreet, based in Boston, has disclosed a short position on Pennon Group, which owns South West Water and Bristol Water.