A LACK of rain is being blamed for the stream and pond at Bushy Ruff running dry.

The site has been empty of water since last November.

Queens Avenue resident Alfred Phillips, who often walks at Bushy Ruff, told the Express people have queried whether the water has purposely been drained off.

But a spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "The stream and pond at Bushy Ruff are known to dry up occasionally, although this hasn't happened for several years.

"The occurrence this year is due to 2011 being particularly dry. East Kent has had less than 60 per cent of the average rainfall for the last 12 months and the groundwater level is still classed as below normal.

"Although December brought some much-needed rain, and there are some early signs that the aquifers beneath the ground are starting to recharge, there is some way to go before rivers and streams recover to their normal water level.

"The Environment Agency is continuing to monitor river levels and work with local residents and businesses to balance the needs to people and the environment."