Alexandra Carter

Oxfordshire has been officially declared to be in drought after a hot, dry summer, joining several other areas of England affected by low rainfall and heatwaves. The Environment Agency warned that water use is outpacing natural replenishment and could have lasting effects on the environment, wildlife and economy. Thames Water has imposed a temporary hosepipe ban across multiple Oxfordshire postcodes, while the government says water companies must reduce leaks and invest in infrastructure, including new reservoirs.