Update: More rivers on Flood Watch (From Witney Gazette)

Update: More rivers on Flood Watch

THE River Cherwell in north Oxfordshire was this evening added to the list of rivers in the county on flood watch after recent heavy rain.

Earlier in the day stretches of the River Thames through the county were put on alert.

This evening's move brings the total number of rivers in the county on flood watch - the lowest level of alert - to seven.

The Environment Agency said flooding of low-lying areas and roads was expected and added that householders should keep watch on water levels near their properties.

Weather forecasters predict more rain tomorrow and in the early part of next week.

The stretches of the Thames on flood watch are from Lechlade to Eynsham; Eynsham to Sandford Lock, near Oxford, and Day's Lock, Little Wittenham to Whitchurch Lock, near Pangbourne.

A flood warning - a higher level of alert _ which was in place earlier in the day on another stretch of the river upstream, from Cirencester to Lechlade, was this afternoon downgraded to a flood watch.

Other rivers on flood watch include the Cherwell, Windrush, Evenlode, Ock, Thame and the Ray.

The Cherwell is on flood watch throughout its length from Charwelton, near Banbury, to Oxford.

The Ray runs from east of Bicester to Otmoor and Islip, while the Windrush runs through Burford and Witney.

Yesterday afternoon, the Evenlode from Moreton-in-Marsh to Cassington, was also put on flood watch.

And last night, the rivers Ock and Thame were also added to the list of rivers on flood watch

Train services between Didcot, the West of England and South Wales were disrupted yesterday by flooding of tracks in Wiltshire and around Bristol.

First Great Western trains suffered delays of up to an hour because of problems caused by heavy rain at Wootton Bassett, east of Swindon; on the line to the Severn Tunnel, north of Bristol; and between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, in Somerset.

Some trains were cancelled and others were diverted by alternative routes, bypassing Didcot Parkway.

Passengers are advised to check for the latest information on services at firstgreatwestern.co.uk or call 08457484950.

More rain is forecast tomorrow and at the start of next week.

For the latest information, see the Environment Agency's website, or call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188.