Stunning English island on verge of being EVACUATED and closed down due to water shortage

Comment now Next A PICTURESQUE UK island is on the verge of being evacuated as water supply drops to “lowest-ever” levels. Residents may be forced to leave the area if supplies continue to decrease. The stunning coastal location may be on the verge of being closed Credit: Jam Press/The Landmark Trust Lundy , located off the north Devon coast, is on the verge of being closed – with all residents evacuated – as a result of a severe water shortage. Advertisement The self-sufficient English island relies on a combination of rainwater and groundwater to maintain regular water levels. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. However, following the dry conditions of this summer, reservoir levels dropped to their lowest-ever levels, at 13 per cent. This has led to emergency shipments now being put in place to bring water from the mainland to the island in order to sustain its 28 residents. Read more Travel News WHALE OF A TIME The UK island named a 'hidden gem' with dolphins, whales & a pub but no TV PLANT IT Closed Victorian attraction finally reopens after five years & £23million upgrade Water restrictions have also been placed on tourists – including the removal of plugs to prevent visitors from taking baths. Pumping water from ponds used by wildlife to a treatment works is being used as a “last resort”, according to Lundy managing director Derek Green. He told the BBC : “Bringing in pond water is something we’ve never had to do before. “If we didn’t do this, we would be facing the reality of closing Lundy…it would be devastating for us. Most read in Travel TOP SPOT The world's BEST cities - from £13 flights & £2 beers to affordable winter sun CHECK OUT New Ryanair check in rules to launch next month - it's bad news for late arrivals PASS IT ON New passport rules start for Brits TODAY with first UK airport rollout launch GET IN I went on the UK's cheapest all-inclusive break from £22pp for food, drink & MORE “We’ve got a working farm here and the animals need water every day… so to evacuate those animals, those people and to cancel all those holidays is something that has never happened in the history of Lundy before.” Advertisement Green added that there had been “no significant rainfall” on the island since April, contributing to the severe water shortage. The area is known for its abundant puffin and seal colonies, as well as whale and dolphin spotting. The 3.1 mile long isle can be reached from Devon’s mainland in less than two hours by ferry, and remains popular among holidaymakers for its picturesque beaches and adventurous hikes. Comment now