Water restrictions were introduced in April after two unusually dry winters

The hosepipe ban in Medway is set to be lifted tomorrow (Thursday) after weeks of heavy rain.

Restrictions introduced by Southern Water in early April following two unusually dry winters will be dropped.

April turned out to be one of the wettest on record and the rain continued throughout May and into June, including some torrential downpours.

The exceptional wet weather resulted in flooding in some parts of Medway about two weeks ago.

Bewl Reservoir, a significant supplier for homes in the Towns, is now 81 per cent full, almost double the level earlier this year.

Some sources are still below average for this time of year, but the majority are no longer in drought status.

Southern Water’s quality and strategy manager, Meyrick Gough said: "While our focus remains firmly on dealing with the aftermath of the torrential rain and flooding in the south over the last few days it is also right for us to lift the water restriction.

"Our supplies have been topped by the wet weather and are now in a much stronger position going into the summer than they were when we introduced the restrictions.

"However, with the underground sources, which supply the vast majority of our customers, still below average for this time of year, we are asking our customers to continue with their efforts to use water wisely and not waste water.

Southern Water was the first to impose the hosepipe ban, which was initially expected to continue until the end of the year.

Thames Water is also set to remove its restrictions but South East Water and Veolia - which serve homes in other parts of Kent - say its bans will remain in force.