Council stops pressure washing after residents raise concerns

Wiltshire Council has instructed contractors to stop pressure washing and other cleaning work that uses water during the current hosepipe ban, after residents raised concerns about the work in Melksham Market Place. 

Residents reported seeing contractors pressure washing the pavement outside Melksham Town Hall on several days leading up to the temporary hosepipe ban, with the work continuing on the first day of the restrictions. 

The ban came into force at 00:01hrs on Tuesday 18th August. 

Wiltshire was declared in drought last month after weeks of hot, dry weather left rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels under pressure. 

Wessex Water said the decision to introduce the temporary hosepipe ban was due to unprecedented demand and prolonged dry weather, with no significant rainfall forecast. 

Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, Cllr Martin Smith, said, “Our contractors have historically used pressure washing to remove chewing gum from pavements and other public areas. Following the introduction of the hosepipe ban, we reviewed these activities and have now instructed contractors to stop carrying out any non-essential cleaning work that requires water, such as chewing gum removal, street cleaning and bus shelter cleaning. 

“We recognise the importance of conserving water during this period and will continue to keep our operational activities under review while the restrictions remain in place.”