Risk of flooding rises

The South-East is facing a growing risk of flooding, a leading government adviser has warned.

Recent heavy rain, which is set to continue over the weekend, has sparked new alerts.

Experts believe there could be serious flooding in the next decade due to global warming and the construction of housing estates in vulnerable areas.

David Ramsbottom at water consultant HR Wallingford warned: "We are more vulnerable than ever. A lot of people have forgotten how bad the effects of flooding can be."

Mr Ramsbottom believes river levels in the South-East could rise by up to 20 per cent. "We have to do something now, or it will be too late," he said.