The booming housing market could exacerbate drought problems, councillors have warned.

Wealden District Council is concerned water companies will not be able to meet the extra demand of building 400 new homes in the district each year.

A select committee from the council is meeting with the Environment Agency, South East Water, which supplies drinking water to the area, and Southern Water, which provides waste water services.

It will also be meeting with a local house builder and a major developer in the next few months.

Committee chairman Jane Clark said: "This is a major issue for Wealden - not only now when a large amount of rainfall is required to avoid further supply restrictions in the summer - but also in the future.

"With proposals to allow 400 new homes to be built in Wealden each year, we need to be sure there will be sufficient water to ensure everyone enjoys a decent supply, and all waste water is properly and safely disposed of."

The public can attend the meetings at the council offices in Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, on April 25, and the council chamber in Pine Grove,Crowborough, on May 11.

Thursday, March 18, 2006