River Thames levels rise

WIDE swathes of land along the River Thames are under flood warnings as water levels continue to rise .

Areas including Henley, Wargrave and Shiplake have experienced flooding on the river banks due to high river levels and heavy rainfall.

The Environment Agency (EA) issued flood warnings and alerts for these sections of the Thames earlier this week.

At 3pm on Wednesday the EA said river levels at Marsh Lock remained high and were rising, with their station downstream recording a depth of 3.43m with the reading at Shiplake Lock, remaining steady at a depth of 3.53m.

The agency said further rainfall was  expected and flooding of property and roads was possible, especially in the Basmore Lane, Bolney Road and Loddon Drive areas, and the surrounding Lower Shiplake and Wargrave areas.

A spokesman said: “We expect river levels to continue to rise slowly. Levels will remain high over the next few days. We are closely monitoring the situation. We are liaising with emergency services and local authorities.

"Stay away from flood water — it contains hidden dangers such as open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals. Don’t put yourself or others at risk.”

Henley has experienced high river levels and some flooding along the bank near Henley Bridge, running to the former River and Rowing Museum building.

Shaun Dickens, a Henley resident and owner of the Bistro at the Boathouse, in Boathouse Reach and Station Road, has owned the restaurant for about 14 years.

He said: “This kind of flooding happens nearly every year now, which is not great. We’ve learnt to go with the flow, if you like, but it does hamper walk-in trade slightly as the path in front is completely flooded.

“We do have a lovely group of regular customers though, and we have great support from them. It does cause a few sleepless nights when the water levels rise, but this year has been nothing like previous ones.

“I remember in 2013 when the whole restaurant was under water. It can be a nightmare, but at the moment, it’s been alright. We’ve learnt it’s part and parcel of being on the riverbank.”

A spokeswoman for the Leander Club, in Henley Road, said: “All club events are going ahead as usual and the river levels have had no material impact on the business. Our athletes are lucky enough to have permission to continue to train in a safe way while the river levels are raised, although they are doing more of their sessions either at Dorney Lake or on land.”

But Henley Fire Station said firefighters had been out along the riverbank earlier this week.

Writing on social media, a spokesman said: “While monitoring the rising water levels, firefighters took the opportunity to speak with walkers, runners and dog walkers about staying safe around floodwater. Even when it looks calm, floodwater can be deeper, colder and faster-moving than it appears.”

The station advised people to stick to higher ground, when possible, keep children and dogs away from the water and to avoid walking or driving through floodwater.

The Met Office have predicted rain continuing from Sunday and into next week. To check up to date flood warnings and alerts, visit https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings