Swindon: Burst water pipe closes school and hits many homes
Thames Water said workers had "controlled the flow of water" from the burst pipe by 09:45 BST and a specialist repair team were on their way.
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Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Southern Water users urged to keep daily task to '4 minutes' amid hosepipe ban
The south east and other parts of the UK depend heavily on regular rainfall to sustain their reservoirs and groundwater Millions of people are facing hosepipe and sprinkler restrictions amid dwindling water supplies in the UK. Southern Water, Thames Water, South East Water, and Yorkshire Water are among the companies that have enforced such restrictions, stopping hose use for activities such as filling paddling pools and watering plants. Now, many Southern Water customers are receiving a crucial letter that explains the rules enforced while suggesting other 'small changes' that could make a 'big difference'. The advice is particularly relevant to residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, where bans are currently in place. The Southern Water leaflet summarises three key points: "Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Keep showers to 4 minutes when you can. Use the eco mode setting on your dishwasher." The south east and other parts of the UK depend heavily on regular rainfall to sustain their reservoirs and groundwater. With the Solent and South Downs region now classified as experiencing 'prolonged dry weather,' its water system is under strain, particularly given the high population density in the area. Guidance on Southern Water's website also explains: "In addition, the UK's population density puts extra pressure on water supplies in certain regions, especially the south east, where it's generally drier than the rest of the county. "With extended periods of warm, dry weather becoming increasingly common, we're investing in new water sources, like water recycling plants and new reservoirs, like the one at Havant Thicket, to address the shortage." Like many other water firms, Southern Water doesn't know when the ban will be lifted, but said customers would be informed when it occurs. In its Hampshire postal information leaflet, the company added that it is doing everything possible to protect water supplies this summer. "In the last 12 months, we've repaired over 7,000 leaks in Hampshire, saving millions of litres of water - and we're planning to match that again this year," it reads. "In fact, we've reduced leakage by 20% and are now fixing more leaks, faster than ever before - using everything from smart tech and drones to dogs specifically trained to detect leaks in rural areas." Although Southern Water customers in West Sussex, East Sussex, and Kent are not currently subjected to hosepipe restrictions, they are still urged to 'use water wisely'. The firm also stressed that people on its 'Priority Services Register with medical or mobility needs, including Blue Badge holders and those on our WaterSure tariff, are exempt'. However, its online advice added: "Anything you can do to reduce or avoid hosepipe use would be greatly appreciated." Anyone not exempt and caught violating a hosepipe ban could face a fine of up to £1,000 under the Water Industry Act. What does a ban mean? During a ban, Southern Water highlights that you generally must not use a hosepipe for: Gardening (including a sprinkler system) Washing cars Cleaning windows or patios Filling swimming pools, hot tubs, or paddling pools For more information on the Southern Water hosepipe ban, visit its website here. To learn about other enforced hosepipe bans, check the websites of South East Water, Yorkshire Water, or Thames Water.
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
Public urged to halt bonfires after Lacock thatch blaze
Firefighters are urging people to take garden waste to a recycling centre this summer after a Grade II listed building was nearly destroyed by flying embers from a thatched home at Bowden Hill near Lacock, Wiltshire, caught fire on Monday after the owners of the property lost control of the bonfire, which then set light to a and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) deployed 55 firefighters and 13 engines at the peak of the blaze, and managed to save the building's ground said the blaze "highlights how easily bonfires can get out of control, especially during a prolonged spell of dry weather". It added: "Please avoid having bonfires to burn your garden waste and consider taking it to your local recycling centre instead." The service has also issued guidance to help avoid a repeat incident, including keeping any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures, having a garden hose to hand, and not lighting a bonfire on a windy day in case it flares up more than expected. Homeowner Beth Collins told the BBC that firefighters had gone "above and beyond" when tackling the blaze and had managed to save most of the family's said the bonfire had gotten out of control so quickly "you don't have much time to think about it"."You think where is all that smoke, where are all those flames from? I thought it was just a fire in the garden. Someone came hurtling down the road and said 'your thatch is on fire'," she said.
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
Bradford-on-Avon 'not being abandoned' after £11m scheme u-turn
The Environment Agency says it is not abandoning town hit by heavy flooding after scrapping a proposed £11m defence in Wiltshire, was badly flooded in January 2024 before being devastated by Storm Bert in agency said a permanent £11m flood scheme for the town is now "unviable", adding it is committed to "community resilience and better flood warning".Ian Withers, the Environment Agency's area director for Wessex, said: "It would be irresponsible to spend that kind of money that wouldn't necessarily protect the town from the sort of flooding we've seen in the last two years." The River Avon has burst in banks in Bradford-on-Avon on numerous occasions in recent years, flooding nearby roads and Withers added the threat of a flood is "tripled" there because:It has a "huge catchment which drains through the town","Huge volume of water which goes underground, that floods properties from the grounds upwards",And town is in a "steep-sided bowl".The agency said it has ruled out the planned permanent flood scheme, which involved low walls and pumping stations, as prospective costs have more than doubled since it was proposed in 2017. Mr Withers said the "impact of climate change" has also caused the agency to re-think its plans."Originally the plan was valid for the sort of weather we were having associated with the climate, before we started seeing the impact of climate change."Now we know the river can run through that town at the volume, speed and height that it does – we've seen it every winter for the last two of three years – the game's changed. We need to modernise our thinking and put in place a better system."He added: "We're absolutely not abandoning the town or walking away." On Monday hundreds of people attended a special event held to provide information on how to protect homes and businesses from flooding in event was organised by the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Wessex Water.
