First new reservoirs in England for more than 30 years given go-ahead

Nationally significant' status granted to reservoirs in East Anglia and Lincolnshire with seven more planned by 2050

The government has ordered the building of two reservoirs, the first to be built in England for more than 30 years.

The lack of reservoir capacity, combined with a rising population and drier summers caused by climate breakdown, has put the country at risk of water shortages. The government warned in recent weeks of an impending drought if there was not significant rainfall soon, and reservoirs have been reaching worryingly low levels.