Households have been urged not to snitch on their neighbours if they see them flouting the hosepipe bans. Water companies in the south of England have asked people to call a hotline to report others if they spot them breaching the newly imposed restrictions
Anyone taken to court for persistent breaches of restrictions on hosepipe bans, including watering a garden, cleaning a vehicle, washing windows, walls, paths or patios, faces a fine of up to £1,000. Filling up a paddling pool, domestic pond or ornamental fountain is also prohibited.
However, John Hayward-Cripps, the CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, told The Telegraph: “What is needed is a certain amount of common sense and treating people as you would like to be treated yourself if you had made a mistake. The best thing when dealing with your neighbours, people who you live among and see on a regular basis, is to have a conversation with them. Snitching without having any conversation is likely to irritate people.”
