Can I leave my potatoes in the ground after cutting off the haulms?

The simple answer is Yes....just dig them up when you need them. Having said that...don't leave them for months and months...if you have a lot of rain they will eventually go soggy!

Thanks Amblealice, I hoped that was the case.
PS. lucky you, living in one of the nicest parts of the country.

You don't have to cut off the haulms unless you have potato blight. Let them die down, cut the dry stems off about 4 inches long. Put down some slug pellets, earth the potatoes up again. Lift and store at the end of September.

Corr thats gona save me some work in this heat. Thanks Dr.B.
What about watering? should I? I have VERY sandy soil

They usually like plenty of water as the spuds are swelling e.g when the plants are flowering. But as Amblealice says, too much water and they will go soggy.

Yes Ian, water only on the ground, leave the hose running if you are watering from the tap. Find anything you have at hand to mulch with, even sacrifice your compost heap. Must try and keep the ground cool.

Thanks all, I can sleep sound now knowing my fav. veg is safe and well

Enjoy your spuds Ian!....Yes, I am lucky living in Northumberland.