NFU welcomes withdrawal of drought order extension

The NFU today welcomed Sutton and East Surrey Water’s decision to withdraw its application to extend its drought order powers, which are due to end on November 15.

Sutton and East Surrey – the only water company to put a drought order into force this summer – had applied to Defra for an additional six-month extension, raising concern among growers preparing for next year’s bedding plant season.

But following the NFU’s written objections to Defra, Sutton and East Surrey has decided to withdraw its application.

NFU horticulture board chairman Richard Hirst said: “This is a relief to growers in the Sutton and East Surrey area and vindication of the NFU’s persistence on this matter.

“People can now go ahead and plan next year’s plantings without the spectre of a drought order hanging over them.”

The NFU remains concerned about low water levels in the South East and is urging smarter uses of water, such as measures which maximise the capture and storage of grey water resources over the winter months, in a bid to combat the need for drought orders.