Hosepipe ban to come into force in Cornwall and parts of Devon

South West Water announces measure from 23 August to protect supplies - for first time in 26 years

A hosepipe ban is being introduced in parts of south-west Britain for the first time in more than a quarter of a century and people who flout the restrictions could face a fine of 1,000.

South West Water said it had been forced to introduce the ban in Cornwall and parts of north Devon from next week because its reservoirs were only half full and there had been a dramatic increase in demand, partly because so many people moved into the region during the pandemic.