THE flood barrier has come down at Bradford on Avon following a fall in water levels in the River Avon.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said the flood barrier at the Bull Pit next to the river was removed on Monday as river levels at the Bradford on Avon river gauge continue to fall.

He added: "Despite the improving situation river levels remain high and consequently the risk of flooding remains.

"Flood water could be deep and fast flowing, and therefore pose a risk to life.

"Wednesday is set to be largely dry. Thursday sees further rain forecast for the area.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for Holt Road at Staverton.

"Our incident response staff removed the temporary flood barriers at the Bull Pit on Monday. Thank you to the volunteers and flood wardens who have been monitoring the situation locally.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses."

The town’s senior co-ordinator Paul Robertson

said: “We are not expecting the water to get too much higher."

Earlier in the week, the Environment Agency warned that properties could flood and there could be travel disruption.

On the River Avon from Chippenham to Melksham, and at Bathford, river levels rose as a result of last week's heavy rainfall.

The agency said: “We believe there is a possibility of flooding for properties at Reybridge.

“Flood water could be deep and fast flowing, and therefore pose a risk to life."

Owners with property flood resilience equipment were advised to install it.

In Warminster, the town council warned residents that groundwater flooding could be an issue.

The council's assistant town clerk Tom Dommett said:

"Groundwater flooding can cause significant damage to property. It is difficult to predict when and where groundwater flooding will occur, but Warminster Town Council works with the Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council its volunteer flood wardens to ensure Warminster is as resilient as possible when dealing with potential flooding. It is important that people are prepared, so they know what to do in the event of a flood, and that they are signed up for Environment Agency flood alerts."

"Anyone in groundwater flood risk area should be wary of an increased risk of flooding in Warminster this winter."

The Town Council has a supply of gel-sacks, as an alternative to sandbags, that swell up after contact with water, that it can issue to residents in an emergency.

Go to https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/5-day-flood-risk