Troubled waters - the lawns are brown, our flowers are dying, but yet some councils are hosing down the pavements - just why is it ok for them?

Jul 05, 2018, 08:50 AM

Scorchio! Scorchio! Well, not so much today, but the heatwave is set to continue for another couple of weeks at least. And that means we'll still have the hosepipe ban. It only applies to private householders, not businesses or local authorities. You may have seen pictures on social media of workmen hosing down pavements while homeowners face a fine for using a sprinkler on a parched garden. So, it is fair that we'll still have to pay for water through our annual household rates bill, but we're restricted on water use? Should we get a rebate? Vinny got the views of Belfast City Councillor Jim Rodgers, ratepayer Ann Watson and Retail NI's Glyn Roberts.