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Wessex Water's first hosepipe ban in 50 years coincides with reopening of Stroud lido and Tropicana debate

Wessex Water's drought-driven hosepipe ban is happening at the same time as the reopening of a Stroud lido and a dispute over whether Weston-super-Mare's Tropicana should become a pool or a music arena.

Wessex Water has introduced a hosepipe ban for the first time in 50 years, affecting Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Bath, the Wiltshire Times and Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard reported [8][9]. Bath Echo said it is the first ban imposed by the company for 50 years [5]. BBC Bristol, BBC News Somerset, BBC News Wiltshire and BBC News Gloucestershire reported that the company says it is experiencing record-breaking demand for water amid the ongoing drought [1][2][3][4].

The restrictions come as outdoor swimming facilities are in the news elsewhere in the region. Stroud's outdoor pool welcomed swimmers, families and visitors from across the area as Stratford Park Lido reopened with a weekend of music and activities, the Stroud News and Journal said [7]. Meanwhile, North Somerset Council plans to lease Weston-super-Mare's Tropicana to Live Nation for an outdoor rock arena, despite calls to reinstate the lido pool, according to the Weston Mercury [6].

The dry conditions have also brought fire risk. Somerset crews tackled a "significant wildfire" on 15 August after large plumes of smoke prompted 999 calls, the Somerset County Gazette reported [10].

Sources

  1. BBC Bristol: First hosepipe ban since 1976 in Wessex Water area
  2. BBC News Somerset: First hosepipe ban since 1976 in Wessex Water area
  3. BBC News Wiltshire: First hosepipe ban since 1976 in Wessex Water area
  4. BBC News Gloucestershire: First hosepipe ban since 1976 in Wessex Water area
  5. Bath Echo: Wessex Water imposes first hosepipe ban in 50 years due to dry weather
  6. Weston Mercury: Making Waves: The Tropicana should be a lido, not a music venue
  7. Stroud News and Journal: 'Lovely holiday atmosphere' as swimmers return to Stratford Park Lido
  8. Wiltshire Times: Wessex Water introduces first hosepipe ban in 50 years
  9. Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Wessex Water introduces first hosepipe ban in 50 years
  10. Somerset County Gazette: Somerset crews tackle "significant wildfire"

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