THE River Avon has burst its banks in Bradford on Avon and the surrounding area.
Flood water was creeping up the Bull Pit in Bradford on Avon this morning but has not yet reached the main road.
Community warden volunteers from Bradford on Avon Town Council were keeping an eye on the situation.
The Bull Pit would normally be protected by a temporary flood defence barrier but the Environment Agency has withdrawn it from use for operational safety reasons.
A Bradford on Avon Town Council spokesperson said: “Bradford on Avon Town Council understands the public's concern. No one wants to see flooding affect businesses or homes.
"However, the town council also understands the decision taken by the Environment Agency and the public safety reasons for it."
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On Friday morning the Agency issued a flood warning for the middle Bristol Avon area, including Bradford on Avon, also also for the area between Melksham and Bathford.
The agency said: “River levels have risen at the Bradford on Avon river gauge as a result of the ground being saturated and reacting to further rainfall.
“Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible and we forecast that flooding is likely for properties at the Bull Pit in Bradford on Avon.
“We no longer deploy temporary flood barriers at this location. Please install your property flood resilience measures now.
“Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded and refer to local authority website for local road closures.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are clearing weed screens and maintaining communications with partners.
The flood warning for Bradford on Avon includes Greenland Mills, Norden, Grist Court, Kingston Square, Bridge Yard, Lamb Yard, Bridge Street, Silver Street, Bull Pit, St Margaret’s Street, Church Street and Pound Lane.
Police have also closed the B3105 through Staverton as the River Avon has risen and the flood water now covers the Causeway.
The road between Bradford on Avon and Westwood was also under water last night, and locals reported flooding between Staple Hill and the bridge at Freshford.
The agency also issued flood warnings for the middle Bristol Avon area from Bathford to Melksham, not including Bradford on Avon, and the Upper Bristol Avon area from Chippenham to Melksham, as well as from Chippenham to Malmesbury.
It said: “Flooding is expected in this area. This means properties are at risk of flooding.
“Please take action to protect yourself and your property and monitor local weather and river conditions.
“Avoid contact with, walking or driving through flood water. Consider activating any property flood protection products you may have.
“The Environment Agency Flood Warning System has issued this message based on rising river or tidal levels. We are temporarily automating our messages due to industrial action.”
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