Thousands of people across south London are without water this afternoon because of a burst water pipe. Some people have been forced to leave their homes because of significant flooding after the pipe burst on Ilderton Road,

HOSEPIPE ban loopholes mean people can still water their lawns or even full up a hot tub despite emergency measures in place to combat drought. It comes as two new regions declared low levels of

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.

Residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as thousands of households are left without water in south London

A water company has come under fire after bringing in a hosepipe ban, despite failing to fix a large leak first reported nine months ago. The problem, outside The Heathside Centre in Coxheath, was first reported in October and is now reported to resemble a “swamp”.

South East Water said the ban means customers in Kent and Sussex will not be able to use hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens and washing cars, windows and patios, or filling swimming and paddling pools. It will be enforced from July 18 and until further notice, with those who ignore the ban facing fines of up to £1,000.

Many of the 500 Kent properties that have had an ongoing water supply issue for six days have had their supply "fully restored", according to a water company. On Wednesday, South East Water said up to 3,000 customers in Whitstable, Seasalter and surrounding areas had no water or low pressure due to the recent heatwave.