Thousands of litres of water were used to clean moss off a block of council flats in the middle of a drought.

Brighton and Hove City Council last night defended using high pressure water jets to clean roofs and guttering.

The council said it would continue to use the method despite domestic hosepipe bans across the region.

But residents were appalled the council was carrying out work which was not urgent at a time when people were being asked to use water supplies sparingly.

Some said the council was setting a bad example while roofing contractors said there was no need to use hoses to clear guttering.

Neighbours were horrified when they spotted contractors using jets to clean roofs at Chelwood Close, Brighton, yesterday.

Jessica Dodd, who lives nearby in Carden Hill, said: "I think it's disgusting. The amount of water that comes out of one of those jets.

"I was sitting down and I saw a guy up on the roof with a jet spray to get the moss off. It all looks nice and pretty but I thought, what a waste.

"He was at it a good seven hours. He started early in the morning and he finished about 3pm. It was loads of water."

Mrs Dodd, 38, said it was galling to watch knowing that residents were banned from using a hosepipe or sprinkler for even a few minutes and there could be further restrictions to come. She said: "It makes me furious to see them wash the roof with that amount of water.

"We have a garden and horses. I am really worried that if they start regulating the water supply it will make life difficult. We are being told, put something in your cistern and save water.

"We normally use hoses to wash the horses down. Now we are allocating ourselves a bucket of water."

She added that jets were not necessary to clean guttering. "You don't need high pressure water. You get your hands dirty."

The Argus contacted roofing contractors in Brighton, who said gutters were normally cleaned without water.

Charlie Hill of Hill Bros Ltd, Stone Street, Brighton, said: "It isn't something we have ever done. We would normally put ladders up, then at the end just pour half a bucket of water down."

Dave Maywood, area manager for Advanced Roofing Services Ltd of Brighton and East Grinstead, said: "We wouldn't normally use water jets. We might use them to clean drains.

"With guttering, we just sweep it out. You are better off sweeping it. It would take forever to wash it.

"Moss on the roof doesn't make a whole lot of difference. It just looks nice to get rid of it. You could do it any time."

A council spokeswoman said the work was not banned under the present water restrictions, which merely prevent hoses from being used to water gardens and wash cars.

She said: "Pressure hoses are exempt from any water restrictions and anyone can use one.

"For example, householders can use their hoses to clean bird droppings from buildings and patios.

"Pressure hoses are the quickest and most efficient way of cleaning moss from roofs and guttering."

"We took advice from Southern Water before starting our maintenance programme."

A Southern Water spokeswoman said: "We are still encouraging everyone to use water wisely."