MP calls for end to hosepipe ban

The hosepipe ban should be declared over as sodden England is battered by more rain, a Tory MP demanded.

Sir Peter Bottomley wants Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman to meet Environment Agency officials and order an end to drought restrictions still affecting parts of the country.

He told the Press Association: "The rain during the last two months must have refilled the reservoirs, aquifers and rivers.

"I doubt anyone actually needs to water their lawn, but if they do they should be allowed to use their hosepipes again."

Sir Peter wanted householders and businesses to be able to water their gardens across eastern and south-east England, where restrictions remain in force.

The Worthing West MP has tabled a written Commons question calling for an end to the hosepipe ban.

Large parts of the country were last month lifted from orders imposed in April following two successive winters of below-average rainfall.