Despite a deluge of rain over the last two months, Oxfordshire gardeners still face prosecution if they use a hosepipe to water their plants.

Nearly 50 per cent more than the average October rainfall fell in the county last month (83mm compared to 57mm).

In September there was 75 per cent more rain than average (97mm compared to 55mm), but Thames Water said river and groundwater levels were still not replenished enough to lift the ban.

October also saw flooding across the county, with Nuneham Courtenay residents having to leave their homes on two separate occasions.

However, Thames Water spokesman Robin Markwell said: "Groundwater reserves remain below average and river levels are still flowing at lower levels than this time last year.

"From our point of view, the last two months rainfall have been very welcome, but two months' rain is not going to reverse two consecutive dry winters.

"We will be keeping the situation continually under review."

Gardener Harry Robinson, from Headington, sai: "It is ridiculous. Everything is looking so green now and all my gardening friends have tubs to save rainwater and they are overflowing.

"I don't see how they are going to benefit from this - no gardeners are going to be using a hosepipe at this time of year. Why the ban is in place, I don't know. It is just bureaucracy gone mad."

Mr Markwell said the company believed the ban on using hosepipes and sprinklers to water domestic gardens did save water.

He added: "We do know people who use hosepipes to wash cars all months of the year.

"The hosepipe and sprinkler ban does send out the clear message that there is a shortage of water."

Councillors will vote on a motion put forward by Janet Godden condemning Thames Water's poor record on repairing old or broken pipes and calling on Ofwat to impose a price freeze on bills. The motion will be discussed at a meeting of Oxfordshire County Council's full council at County Hall tomorrow.