FLORAL BASKETS AXED BECAUSE OF DROUGHT

The council is planning to limit the watering carried out by contractors and to avoid using sprinklers in their parks and other green spaces.

The council will also ensure that watering is carried out early in the morning to avoid evaporation before temperatures rise.

The council has taken the decision not to provide the usual hanging baskets and troughs this year, as they require a lot of water to maintain them in good condition.

Councillor Sarah Osborne, Lewes District Council Lead Member for the Environment, said: 'We as a council are intensely aware of the seriousness of water scarcity and have long been working to help conserve this precious resource, not only on Council premises but in the district at large. We are fully committed to working efficiently not only to save water but to prevent any waste.'

Last year Lewes District Council's Parks Services managed to reduce water consumption by 5,826 cubic metres, due to careful management of its facilities.

At this stage suppliers are warning local authorities in the South East to prepare for expected shortages and to limit their use of water as much as possible. A complete ban on watering public parks and amenity sites has not yet been suggested, but this decision will be kept under review over the next few months.