Drought creates water restriction threat

CUSTOMERS and farmers are facing increasing water restrictions after a state of drought was declared in parts of England.

The UK Government said Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, parts of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, and western Norfolk were suffering from drought, after England experienced the driest spring on record.

In addition, parts of the South West, South East, Midlands and Wales are experiencing near-drought conditions, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said.

Craig Bennett, Friends of the Earth's policy and campaigns director, said: "Our water supplies have been taken for granted for far too long. Now we're facing a drought that could devastate our wildlife, rivers and crops."