Water fight

Armed with water pistols and holding placards stating " STOP WATER WARS", they drew the attention of passers-by to the threat of future wars over water.

Nearly four billion people - two thirds of the world's population - live in countries where there is political tension over lakes and rivers that cross international borders.

Climate change and over-use are increasing pressure on freshwater sources and WDM is calling on the government to "Stop Water Wars"

Denis Lucey from the Bexhill and Hastings WDM group said: "Next Saturday, March 22, is World Water Day, and we are doing our bit in Bexhill to highlight this serious issue.

"Eleven years ago the UK government supported a UN convention that would help keep the peace over shared water resources. It is ridiculous that they have since failed to formally sign up to it. If they did, other countries would follow their example, and by looking after water resources better, it could help increase stability and bring fragile peace to many parts of the world."

WDM demands that the government formally sign up to the convention which would help keep the peace over water, increasing stability and development in an uncertain world.

Campaigners distributed information to onlookers and asked them to sign action cards.

Anyone who would like to join in this action is encouraged to sign WDM's online petition to Stop Water Wars, addressed to Gareth Thomas, minister responsible for water at the department for International Development at http://www.wdm.org.uk/campaigns/water/action/stopwaterwars/index.php