A FORMER college lecturer from Andover who specialises in river species has spoken out against ‘selfish’ residents who are continuing to use their hosepipes despite the current ban.

David Beeson, who was the head of biological sciences at Cricklade College in Andover for many years, now conducts research on river flies, collecting data for the environment agency.

He was taking samples at the River Anton over the weekend, when he noticed that the water level was about a third its normal depth, and is now warning of the detrimental effects to wildlife should it dry up completely.

Southern Water brought in a hosepipe ban last week, which covers several areas of the south of England including Andover. It comes as the firm is experiencing a water shortage due to drought conditions.

READ MORE: Hampshire and Isle of Wight hit with hosepipe ban as drought looms

Mr Beeson says he has noticed people breaching the ban, particularly in the area of Andover Down where he resides.

He said: “I have made my complaints visible. People are wasting huge amounts of resources and I object to it. We have got to stop this kind of thing.” 

He continued: “Many species are vulnerable if the temperature goes up and the water level goes down. Big chunks of the river are drying up. That would kill off not only the mayflies but the fish as well.

“We have lost lots of our organisms there, and it will take years to get them back.”

Sending a message to those ignoring the ban, Mr Beeson branded them “utterly selfish”, adding: “There are people, including allotment holders, who are using buckets like I am and spending hours just to water a small patch, who will be pretty p*ssed off by it. 

“Southern Water says there is a £1,000 fine, but I would like to see them do something.”

SEE ALSO: Hosepipe ban: Andover resident angry after discovering hosepipes can still be used at allotments despite ban

A Southern Water spokesperson said: “Our approach is education and engagement and any enforcement action would be a last resort. We’ve seen a sharp decrease in demand since the ban came into force which makes us confident in our belief that the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight understand that this ban is in place to protect some of the world’s most precious habitats – the chalk rivers Test and Itchen. 

“We think peer pressure is doing a great job of getting people to comply with the ban – no one wants to be the only person in their street with a shiny car or a green lawn.”