County no longer in drought after record rainfall

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WORCESTERSHIRE is among 19 areas across the South West, Midlands and Yorkshire which are no longer in drought, according to the Environment Agency.

The organisation has lifted the drought status despite only imposing the order just over three weeks ago thanks to record rainfall across the county in the wettest April for more than 100 years.

The poor weather has increased river and reservoir levels which the Environment Agency say has reduced pressure on the environment and public water supplies in some parts of England.

Agency chiefs have also said that it's unlikely that water companies will now impose hosepipe bans in Worcestershire over the summer.

Parts of East Anglia and South East England remain in drought, with water company restrictions in place on public water use.

Despite lifting the drought order, the organisation has stressed the groundwater levels across England are still low and are unlikely to return to normal levels before the winter.

Environment Agency Chief Executive, Dr Paul Leinster, said: "Water resources across England and Wales are kept constantly under review.

"The recent record rainfall has eased pressure on water resources in some parts of England, helping levels in rivers and reservoirs to recover and providing relief to farmers, gardeners and wildlife.

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