A major road was closed in Hythe on Wednesday due to a water leak, with the timing being branded “shocking” as Southern Water announced

MILLIONS of households are facing hosepipe bans with a host major firms imposing restrictions. Three companies have confirmed they have imposed, or will impose, restrictions on households this

Thames Water announced its hosepipe or temporary use ban (TUB) after the EA placed much of its area in its "prolonged dry weather" category, one away from drought status. The EA said it expects more water companies to follow with their own TUBs, although it will be dependent on rainfall and temperatures in the weeks ahead.

The hosepipe ban will come into effect in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight from 9am on Monday, the company said in a statement. Thames Water announced earlier this week that a hosepipe ban would come into effect across much of Swindon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire.

Customers who will be affected Thames Water's hosepipe ban said they were "surprised" it had not happened sooner, with others adding they thought it was a "good idea". Some also criticised the utility company which has struggled to fix leaks and has been fined for breaching rules over sewage spills and shareholder payouts.

Thames Water announced on Monday 14 July it will be bringing in a hosepipe ban from Tuesday 22 July across parts of Swindon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire. The postcodes affected begin with: OX, GL, SN and RG4, RG8 and RG9.

Water companies have announced the first hosepipe bans of the year, but there are still things you can do to keep your plants hydrated during the summer heat

A double water-pipe burst has led to road closures in a town. Water could be seen bubbling up and flowing along South Street and Edward Street in Hythe, Hampshire, early on Wednesday. Southern Water said the leak had been reported online and its engineers were on site making repairs. It said road closures were also being put in place.

LIDL is selling an affordable plant that will keep thriving all summer long and attracts wildlife. The drought-resistant plant is perfect as more households are affected by hosepipe ban despite