A WELLINGTON family has stepped in to save Wellington blooms after the hosepipe ban stopped all watering of public parks and gardens.

The Coles family at Chelston House Farm generously offered Wellington Town Council access to their borehole and rainwater collection facilities to enable the council’s Open Spaces Team to continue watering plants in the town centre during the ban.

Wessex Water issued a hosepipe ban to begin at one minute past midnight on Tuesday, forcing Wellington Town Council to cease watering all plants in the town centre, including living wall installations and the Wellington Monument Planter

The Coles family, who have run an agricultural business in the area for three generations, are allowing the council to use their water supply to keep the town centre in full bloom for the rest of the summer.

The fountain the Wellington Park will however remained off until the ban is lifted.

Open Spaces manager at the council, Darren Hill, said: “We are really pleased that the Coles family have offered to allow our team to use their borehole and rainwater collection supplies to keep the town centre looking nice for the remainder of the season.

“It was a real worry when the hosepipe ban was announced as our team has worked really hard to plant and maintain the floral displays in the town.

“I particularly didn’t want to see the Wellington Monument planter die back as it has looked absolutely stunning.

“Watering will commence as normal from tomorrow morning. On behalf of the council and the town, I would like to thank the Coles family for their community spirit and offering their resources without hesitation.”

Wessex Water announced the temporary hosepipe ban, the first in 50 years, stopping all use of hosepipes not only for residential properties but also for use in public areas.