Rain brings an end to region's drought

This April was the wettest in a hundred years.

THE wettest April on record has lifted the West Midlands out of drought, it was confirmed today (Friday).

Continued rain into this month has significantly increased river and reservoir levels, the Environment Agency has said.

The South West of England and parts of Yorkshire are also officially no longer in drought.

But the agency said it would continue to keep status under review with groundwater levels still worryingly low across the whole country and unlikely to return to normal levels before winter.

Chief executive Dr Paul Leinster said: "The recent record rainfall has eased pressure on water resources in some parts of England, helping levels in rivers and reservoirs to recover and providing relief to farmers, gardeners and wildlife.

"Low groundwater levels remain a concern across many parts of England with many still at a similar level to those in 1976. A return to a long period of dry weather would increase the risk again."

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