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Hosepipe ban met with 'delight' from locals

Sian Filcher
BBC News, Derby
BBC A woman standing inside a post office in Youlgreave, DerbyshireBBC
Amy Young says she is proud of Youlgreave's water supply

Residents have welcomed what is thought to be the first hosepipe ban in the UK.

Youlgreave Waterworks, which supplies water to the village of Youlgreave in Derbyshire, introduced the ban after a two-month spell of dry weather.

Residents of the village, which has had its own water supply since 1829, are being asked to conserve water where possible and report any suspected leaks.

Signs put up around Youlgreave read: "The pumps are in operation for up to five hours a day to compensate for reduced flow from the spring, which will need at least two weeks of continuous rainfall to make a difference."

Image shows a sign put up in the village of Youlgreave in Derbyshire, reading: "The lack of rain for two months has seen a drop in our reserve supply level as the pumps are in operation for up to 5 hours a day to compensate for reduced flow from the spring which will need at least two weeks of continuous rainfall to make a difference. If we need to buy in water from Severn Trent to keep the system topped up, their 38% price increase will severely dent our cashflow so we urge all who have not yet started to pay their annual yellow bill to please do so. Our new Header tank is emptying by 8am so we ask that those who think it is ok to water the garden in the early hours to please stop as they are taking from the header system when at most need for domestic use. Please conserve water where possible and if you see damp patches or hear water flow contact us immediately as we are continuously searching for any leaks."
The water supply needs two weeks of continuous rainfall to be restored to normal levels

Amy Young, a shopkeeper and postmaster in the village says despite the bans seen in recent years, she would not want to change suppliers.

"I wouldn't like to change it," she said. "I love the water, I drink a lot of the water and I think it tastes the best.

"I think it's a nice thing to have for the village, its own water supply.

"With the extreme weather we seem to be having more of, I think it is a little bit worrying.

"Maybe we need extra backup plans in place to prepare for the weather we are seeing creeping in more."

Image shows the village of Youlgreave in Derbyshire
The supply usually comes from a spring two miles away from Youlgreave, but when the levels become low, water is drawn from a disused mine

Chrissie Baker, 83, said: "I'm delighted we have a hosepipe ban, to stop those idiots who spray their lawn the minute a bit of brown appears.

"All the grass grows back two days after the rain. It's stupid and very selfish.

"I've been involved in well-dressing since I was five years old, and I've always worked on the fountain well. I feel it's a celebration of what we have in this village."

Max Hunt, 72, who has lived in the village for 42 years said: "I think it's necessary.

"It's been a particularly dry spring, so that causes its problems. I think most people will be able to cope with it."

Andrew McCloy, a parish councillor, says the current ban is "the earliest yet".

"It's usually fairly consistent throughout the year," he said.

"But when it gets really low, it's drawn from a nearby redundant mine. But even that is starting to dry out, which is why we're being really careful these days.

"If the water dries up completely, it would have to be bought in from Severn Trent Water at a very expensive cost."

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