CONFUSION reigns over whether or not this part of Hampshire is subject to a hosepipe ban as a result of the year-long drought.

Many have heard that north Hampshire has been included in a ban - but this doesn't include the Andover area. According to a spokesman for the Environment Agency the only areas of Hampshire subject to a ban are those served by Thames Water and South East Water.

But to confuse matters, there are some areas served by Southern Water included in the ban which has prevented the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from 3 April.

But the area in question does not include Southern Water's Hampshire supply.

Thames Water also imposed a ban on 3 April but it does not include Tidworth, which is billed by Thames Water. The only village with a hosepipe ban in the area is Shipton Bellinger which is served by the tiny Cholderton and District company.