Members of the National Allotment Society are  no longer exempt from the hosepipe ban currently active in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The restrictions on water use, which started on August 5, are the result of a particularly dry summer coupled with record-breaking temperatures.

Low water levels in the rivers Itchen and Test have also led to Southern Water announcing the ban, which is due to remain in place indefinitely.

It's the first time since 2012 that a limit of this kind is imposed in areas across the region.

However, the society had confirmed that its members are exempt until Southern Water made a u-turn on the decision.

In a statement, the group said: "In good faith the National Allotment Society made representation to Southern Water on August 1 as requested within their notification of the hose pipe ban.

READ MORE: Southern Water hosepipe ban: The areas of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight affected
"This was requested so that our members could reap the benefit of the crops that have now reached a critical stage and also due to all the cost of living increases along with the dependency many plot holders have on their food production.

"Later that day we received confirmation from the Compliance Department of Southern Water that allotments would be entitled to have exemption, for using hose pipes.

"Having sent out notification to all our members in the Southern Region on August 5, later on the 9th the decision we received a message to say it had been overturned by a senior executive of Southern Water.

"We continue to have written proof of the initial exemption so members who have been challenged previously can contact NAS for assistance but sadly, the hosepipe ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight does not exclude allotments."

While South East Water, which covers areas including Basingstoke and Fleet, has yet to take similar measures, it has warned customers that "more formal bans" could be needed to maintain the supply.

Several exceptions apply for people using their hoses to water plants for commercial sale or use, or for health and safety reasons.

To see more about the ban, visit southernwater.co.uk/our-story/water-resources-planning/.