OXFORD'S water company says it has no plans to introduce a hose pipe ban despite 'record demand levels' during the heatwave.

Millions of people based in the north west of England are now facing the first ban of the summer but the south looks set to avoid the measure, for now.

Rainfall for June across the area covered by Thames Water was only five per cent of the monthly average, with 2.5mm.

But, thanks to the heavy rain in March and April, bosses at the company have stressed reservoir levels remain at where they are expected to be for this time of year.

Andrew Tucker, water efficiency manager at Thames Water, said: “We’ve really ramped up our water saving efforts to meet the record demand levels during the ongoing heatwave.

"That’s why we’re also asking our customers to care for water as much as possible and see if there are any simple changes they can make to help ensure there is enough to go around, and prevent the need for restrictions later in the year.

“Water is a precious resource and, with a growing population and impact of climate change, there will continue to be pressure on the supplies across our region.”

The company is urging customers to take shorter showers instead of baths and turn the tap off when brushing teeth to attempt to save water.

Other tips include washing the car with a bucket and sponge and leaving lawns to brown until it rains.

Plants should be watered with a watering can rather than a hosepipe and water should also be recycled from paddling pools, if possible.