Hosepipe Ban

[LoftyLottie]

Just found out that over 65s and those with a Blue Badge are exempt from the hosepipe ban for gardening if they come under South East Water. I checked under Anglian Water who are showing that those with a Blue Badge or severe mobility problems are exempt, but it doesn't mention age. It is worth checking the website for your local water authority!

[LoftyLottie]

I know this isn't a question or an item for debate but think it may be of interest to quite a few of us on AB.

[daffy654]

Why would they be exempt? I don't get it.

[LoftyLottie]

Inability to carry a watering can full of water. Which applies to me. There is no ban on watering gardens with a watering can.

[daffy654]

Ah, never thought of that. My oh waters our garden because I can't carry watering cans either.

[quinie]

I doubt if anyone with severe mobility problems would be using a hose-pipe anyway. Seems daft.

[LoftyLottie]

Why wouldn't a person which a blue badge be able to use a hose pipe? I can use a hosepipe and I have a blue badge because of my arthritic feet and back. Using a hosepipe doesn't take a lot of effort.!!

[LoftyLottie]

People with mobility problems can still garden with the right equipment.

[gness]

Thank you Lottie. My friend in a wheelchair finds it relaxing to water her garden with a hose. I will pass that on. One less thing to rely on others for. Thanks again.

[LoftyLottie]

Apparently due to Health and Safety regulations because it would impair the health of many disabled people if they tried to lift a watering can I suppose.

Glad I may have helped your friend gness. She ought to check with her own water authority though, because it is not a law - it is at the discretion of the individual authorities.

[gness]

Anglian Lottie so I think she will be ok. I`ll check for her. Will this be made public or only if we find out as I have just done? Over 60s would be nice. Summer`s evening, hose in one hand, glass of wine in the other.................bliss.

[LoftyLottie]

I doubt whether they will make it public. My neighbour informed me and I found out only be looking on the Anglian Water website. I have used a hose today. The ban doesn't start until 5th April, but now I shall be able to keep using it. Wine in the garden sounds nice. I have been out there most of the day and we sat outside eating lunch. What a tonic x

[rockyracoon]

On the Thames Water site, it says that people with severe mobility problems who hold a blue badge will be exempt.

[gness]

Been in the garden too but building a fence and with three posts to cut the blasted electric saw has jammed. Bums and tiddlywinks!!!!!!

[rockyracoon]

Who decides what's severe or not?

[Maydup]

I think anyone can apply for exemption if they think they need it. Time has been allowed for these appeals to be heard which is why the ban didn't begin immediately.

[DTCwordfan]

Looks like a business opportunity in the waiting - "Grannies Gardening" - "Hire us and we will come and water your delicate blooms for you. Our prices will include a pot of tea and cake."

[gness]

I`m a granny DT but no-one would employ me with me if they had to listen to the language i am using trying to fix this flaming saw.

[LoftyLottie]

No way I am I a cake making granny DT. I am not even a granny and as for making cakes - I gave that up years ago!! But I will water your garden for you if you make me tea and cakes. Mind you, you avoided me on Feb 29th, so perhaps not!! ;o)

[DTCwordfan]

Gardening language is acceptable gness, it adds a blueness to the Lavender.

The cakes would be negotiated as part of the remuneration package for Grans - Grandads accepted if they dress in drag...

[DTCwordfan]

Unfortunately, we are not under a water ban yet down here in the deepest SW. I went to get some petrol for the lawnmower and thought how dusty the roads and fields looked, then the ground in the garden is still very wet. Probably just as well as the blasted machine would not ignite......I must go and try again.