WATER stocks in Lancashire are plentiful, despite a record spell of dry weather.

But the news comes coupled with a warning to use water wisely - and at a time when the picture is less than rosy for farmers in the south of England.

There, the National Farmers' Union is advising its members to take precautions now - in case the dry weather continues - to avoid restrictions later in the year.

NFU spokesperson Gill Haigh said: "In the north of England, most of our water comes from reservoirs which apparently are close to capacity. In the south, they rely on ground bore holes. "We can only wait and see what the situation is later in the year."

North West Water report their reservoirs are about 92 per cent full.

Press officer Christine McGawley said: "Our stocks are very healthy. There have actually been quite a few calls because of the publicity the south has attracted.

"We have spent £85m on new pipelines to transport the water around and our 'leakline' has been a success.

"But we are still telling our customers to use water wisely, as there could be a very dry summer again.

"Certainly, we are not announcing any restrictions at the moment."

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