Drivers were caught up in a fourth day of congestion as floods in the Henley area continued to cause disruption.

Traffic on Remenham Hill leading into the town was particularly heavy, with cars backed up past Whitehill Garage.

Sonning Bridge was closed for a third day, so drivers seeking alternative routes via Wargrave Road and Reading Road also faced queues.

Further disruption is expected tonight when roads in Henley town centre will be closed for the Christmas Festival.

Hart Street and the Market Place will be closed to traffic from 4.45pm, as will Duke Street and Friday Street to the junction with Queen Street and Bell Street to the junction with New Street. Roads will re-open at 9.30pm.

Henley town clerk Mike Kennedy said the closures would go ahead as planned despite suggestions from South Oxfordshire district council to lift some road closures to ease congestion.

Floods in the area have resulted in long traffic jams stretching in and out of the town since Monday, following the closure of Spring Lane in Sonning and Playhatch Road.

Mr Kennedy said: “Obviously we are aware of the situation in Sonning and inevitably there will be some disruption, so the message is to get here early and use the station car park which is only five minutes from the town.

“Traffic coming down Remenham Hill will be delayed, just as I was this morning, but you just have to plan for it.

“The simple fact is that Henley is open for business and we very much look forward to welcoming many new visitors to Henley."

Published 29/11/12