HOSEPIPE and sprinkler bans could be in place within weeks as Petersfield and the surrounding areas have been included in the latest drought warnings from water companies.

Hampshire and West Sussex are among 16 places officially "in drought" in the South East.

"While we are not running out of water, if the situation does not dramatically improve within the next few weeks, we will need to put in place the drought measures set out in our drought plan," said Lee Dance, head of water resources at South East Water.

"In the absence of any prolonged periods of rainfall to bring all our water resources back to normal for this time of year, we are having to plan prudently for restricting customers' non-essential use of water by banning the use of sprinklers and hosepipes.

"Those restrictions may need to come into force as early as the spring, in order to protect public water supplies for the absolute essentials – drinking, washing, and cooking."

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.