DAYS of drought have left new shrubs on an Ipswich road in danger of drying out.But the council has acted fast to look after its newest plants in Nacton Road.

DAYS of drought have left new shrubs on an Ipswich road in danger of drying out.

But the council has acted fast to look after its newest plants in Nacton Road.

The various shrubs and London Plane trees were planted on new landscaped verges by Ipswich Borough Council in February, as part of major changes to Nacton Road.

New crossings and a new cycle route were installed, and the whole road was resurfaced. Entrances to houses were also upgraded.

But then the natural water supply dried out.

The eastern counties has seen just 0.8ml of rain between March 23 and April 17, compared to 53.3ml during the same period last year - and that's taking its toll on the new plants.

After another hot sunny day, a spokesman for the council said today: "We are aware of the problem in Nacton Road.

"Arrangements are already in place to water the plants today or tomorrow.

"A mulch is also due to be applied, to help retain moisture."

Anglian Water told The Evening Star yesterday that the region will not run dry and there will be no need for a hosepipe ban.

With such tinder-dry ground, the fire service advice for preventing fires includes never throwing cigarette stubs out of car windows, not playing in hay or straw stacks and never using cigarettes or matches near them.

Farmers fear that the combination of dry weather and fairly cold nights has not been good for germinating crops such as sugar beet and that cereal crops could also suffer if the dry spell continues.

In contrast, during the same time last year farmers faced fears that their crops could rot in the rain after heavy downpours.

Weblink:

www.suffolkcc.gov.uk/fire