10 June 2011

Drought Declared In Anglian Region

Parts of the Anglian region are now officially in a state of drought, Defra and the Environment Agency announced today.

Areas in the South West, South East, and Midlands are experiencing near-drought conditions following the driest spring on record in South East and Central Southern England, and the driest right across England and Wales since 1990.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman will hold a second drought summit to review the impacts of the continuing dry weather and consider what more can be done.

Mrs Spelman said: “Drought has hit parts of East Anglia, with other areas in England and Wales also giving grounds for concern.

“Water companies are confident that supplies are high enough so that widespread restrictions to the public are unlikely. We’re doing all we can to reduce the impact on agriculture and wildlife, but everyone can play their part.

“Households know how to use less water and everyone can do their bit to use water more wisely, not only through the summer, but throughout the year.”

Utility companies, farmers, water companies and environment groups are meeting today to discuss what can be done to share resources, save water and build resilience for future dry conditions.

Although some areas across the country have benefited from recent rainfall, this has done little to improve the situation in the driest areas.

(BMcN/BMcC)