ENVIRONMENT Agency staff are on flood alert across Hampshire.

Rivers and streams in the county are being monitored continuously as water levels rise.

Officials at the agency’s south-east England office say they are concerned about water levels right across the region after recent heavy rain and more forecast by the Met Office.

Groundwater levels in the Somborne villages and north of Andover are one of the main areas of concern and are regularly checked by staff.

Pointing out that many rivers remain above their usual winter levels following recent snow and rainfall, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager Alison Baptiste said: “It looks like it’s going to be a wet week, with heavy rain forecast across the region for the next five days.”

And she added that Hampshire residents should be prepared for further flood alerts and possible flood warnings to be issued.

Alison added: “Our teams are working hard to prepare and to make sure our professional partners are prepared. We have officers out checking flood defences and clearing any river blockages. We are receiving regular updates from the Met Office and will continuously monitor river levels.

“Now is a good time for anyone who lives in an area vulnerable to flooding to think about the precautions they can take to protect their properties and I would encourage everybody to check their flood risk at the EA website and keep up to date on warnings.”