Hosepipe ban in the North of England called off

A temporary hosepipe ban restricts people from using hosepipes or sprinklers to water private gardens or wash cars. Credit: PA

A hosepipe ban which was due to come into effect on Sunday - affecting 7 million people - has been called off.

United Utilities proposed the ban amid what has been described as the longest heatwave since 1976.

United Utilities say the slightly cooler temperatures and recent rainfall have eased the demand for water.

They added that customers efforts to try to reduce their water use has also helped - and they no longer have to introduce any restrictions at this time.

Dr Martin Padley, the company's Water Services Director, added that work has been going on to find and repair as many leaks as possible - and that people should continue to help by reporting problems and using water wisely.