A DROUGHT which has led to a ban on using hosepipes in the town could last until Christmas.

The Environment Agency, which has now extended its drought map to include the south west and the Midlands, said public water supplies were unlikely to be affected but urged everyone to use water wisely.

Thames Water, which serves the town, was one of seven water firms to bring a hosepipe ban into force on April 7 as the Environment Agency warned of severe drought in the coming months.

It came after parts of England received less than 60 per cent of the average seasonal rainfall during winter.

It is hoped that by using water wisely now a more serious impact will be prevented next year.

The hosepipe ban makes it a criminal offence to use a hosepipe for most jobs, such as watering gardens, and washing the car, although using watering cans and buckets of tap water is still legal.

There are a number of exemptions, including fire service operations and the field of play at national and international sporting events.