EAST Lancashire is still one of the worst drought-hit areas in the North West, according to latest figures.

Hyndburn is the most badly affected area with reservoir stocks standing at just 24 per cent, followed by Blackburn with 46 per cent and Rossendale at 49 per cent.

But despite the recent heavy rainfall, North West Water says the hosepipe ban will remain. In June, only 65 per cent of the anticipated long-term average rainfall was recorded and since April 1995, the region has had 14 months of below average levels.

Peter Birtwistle, North West Water's general manager for water supply, said: "As a result of the measures we have taken and thanks to the continued co-operation of our customers in saving water, the situation is now looking much more promising, even though the drought continues. "We are now saving 70 million litres a day as a result of increased detection and repair of leaks.

"As a result of these improvements, demand is currently running at ten per cent less than this time last year."

The company currently has an £85 million drought-beating investment programme under way which includes a £2.2 million project to bring an extra ten million litres of water a day to reservoirs in Fishmoor, Blackburn.

NWW also launched its LeakLine for customers to report problems and since April it has attracted 6,000 calls.

The number is 0800 330033.

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