FOLLOWING the heat since early July, Southern Water had only requested that people ought to use water sparingly.

So I contacted Southern Water in mid July to enquire if there was to be a hosepipe ban. I was surprised to learn that at the time no ban was proposed.

Sadly there are too many people that will ignore guidance and advice on saving water. Asking people not to flush the loo every time they spend a penny is fine - it saves us money in the end.

But when some consumers are using hosepipes on their lawn and jet-washing their patio in the driest July in nearly 40 years, Southern Water needed to take a firmer stance, especially after record temperatures in the UK.

Anyway I am pleased that at last a ban on hosepipes is now in place for August for the Isle of Wight and Hampshire.

I too would like a green lawn but I do not welcome the prospect of having to queue at a stand pipe for drinking and bathing water.

S Zapello

Address supplied