Andrea Glennon

Trowbridge handyman Michael Collins, trading as MC's Gardening & Handyman Services, pleaded guilty at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court to two unfair commercial practice offences after taking more than £2,000 from two customers for painting, decorating and fencing work that never began. One customer paid £700 and another £1,391.53, but neither received the promised work or a refund. Collins was fined £300 and ordered to pay £700 compensation, £880 in prosecution costs and a £120 victim surcharge. Wiltshire Council advised residents to consider traders approved through the Buy With Confidence scheme.

Wessex Water has imposed its first hosepipe ban in 50 years across Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Bath, affecting about 1.4 million customers amid months of dry weather, high demand and officially declared drought conditions across much of England. Residents have reacted angrily, questioning the company’s investment in reservoirs and leak reduction, executive pay and the timing of the restrictions, while some gardeners and food growers say the ban affects their ability to produce food. Wessex Water says the measures are needed to protect supplies for customers and the environment. Wiltshire Council and local councillor Bill Parks are urging residents to conserve water and avoid unnecessary waste while drought and low rainfall continue.