The Environment Agency has declared this morning that the entirety of the South West region of England is now in a drought following some of the driest conditions for more than 90 years.

The agency is urging people in the affected regions to use water wisely as rain water has not sufficiently replenished the system.

Free Press reader Derek Webb took these photographs showing exposed banks along the 160-feet deep Wimbleball reservoir.
Free Press reader Derek Webb took these photographs showing exposed banks along the 160-feet deep Wimbleball reservoir. (Derek Webb)

Responding to the declaration of a drought, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Honiton Richard Foord said: “Water companies have been letting millions of litres of water gush away through leaky pipes, and now people across the South West are facing a drought.

“Rather than investing properly in vital infrastructure, bosses and executives have cashed in eye-watering bonuses.

“This is utterly galling given the situation now facing our communities. 

“The Government has neglected their duty to act for too long. We need urgent action to support the West Country, hold water companies to account, and get them to clean up their mess.”