IT'S a case not of singing in the rain but of gathering in the rain for environment-conscious Harrogate folk.

Householders in the borough are being urged to collect rainwater and use it rather than hosepipes for their gardens in a bid to preserve water levels.

The borough council, in partnership with Yorkshire Water, is offering a thousand plastic rainbutts to residents and businesses at a cut-rate £12.99 in the hope of encouraging them "not to waste a drop".

Coun Michael Newby, chairman of Harrogate's environmental health committee, said: "Why use water from a tap, which costs money to collect, treat and distribute, when you can water your garden or clean your car with fresh water which would otherwise simply drain away into the sewers?

"By using this method of saving water, which gardeners have used for centuries, we can have a positive impact on the environment."

Sue Slack, Yorkshire Water's conservation manager, added: "Conserving water is an important part of our future water resource plans.

By reducing demand we can help protect the environment and reduce the costs involved in providing water."

Rainbutts are being offered on a first come, first served basis. To order, call 0645 956227.

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