Kingston Council has said that it is switching off the water fountains in the marketplace today (Thursday, 30 July).

This follows Thames Water's temporary banning of hosepipes across the borough, which has led to the Environment Agency (EA) declaring a drought in several parts of the country, including in London.

Speaking about switching off the water fountains, Kingston Council said: "To help preserve water supplies, we will be turning off Kingston's marketplace fountains from today.

"Although the fountain recycles water, it's topped up from the mains - and needs even more regular replenishment in this heat. So we're following Government guidance to do what we can to protect water reserves.

"We know it's been a welcome feature in the heart of Kingston over the last few weeks and we're sorry it can't continue for the time being."

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