Water restrictions needed before hosepipe ban

People across the West Midlands have been advised by Severn Trent to be "much more careful" with water all year round to prevent future hosepipe bans.

Doug Clarke, the firm's water resources strategy lead, issued the plea as reservoirs in the region are currently about 65% full and rivers are "incredibly low".

The West Midlands is one of seven areas of England now officially in drought but a hosepipe ban, which is affecting multiple regions, has not yet been imposed.