NOT even the wettest week since February is going to be enough to stave off the drought.

Central and eastern England have received less than half of average rainfall for June so far, the Environment Agency said this week.

It comes a week after drought was declared in parts of Fenland, West Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Linconshire.

Trevor Bishop, head of water resources at the Environment Agency, said: “Whilst the rainfall this week will not reverse the effects of the dry spring, it has provided welcome water for crops, gardens and rivers across areas affected by or at risk of drought.

“However, without further sustained rainfall, river flows will drop again, which could harm wildlife and increase the impact of pollution incidents. Our teams remain on alert to respond to environmental impacts of drought.

“The Environment Agency is working with farmers and others to balance the water needs of people, businesses and the environment. It’s important that we all use water wisely at all times of the year, especially during dry periods.”

Farmers in the Fens have been told to water their crops by night, to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.