A FLOOD alert is in place for groundwater flooding in villages surrounding Andover.

The Environment Agency has warned that groundwater levels in villages surrounding Andover are high and continue to slowly rise.

Cellars in Appleshaw and Hatherden, the sewer network in Penton Mewsey, and the main road in Penton Grafton are currently all affected by groundwater.

The alert also warns that the spring at Biddesden could begin to flow, as the weather is forecast to be unsettled with up to 35mm of groundwater expected.

Groundwater levels are expected to peak around the New Year.

From the beginning of January 2024, cellar flooding in Penton Grafton and Kimpton, groundwater emergence into Deacon and Down Road, Kimpton, and surface water flooding in Thruxton could be possible, and is also likely after further heavy rain affects the area.

The Environment Agency advises residents to remove valuables from cellars and ensure pumps used to reduce water levels can operate.

This Flood Alert will be updated by 5pm on Wednesday, January 3.

The Food alert area consists of: communities at risk of groundwater flooding surrounding Andover, including Appleshaw, Hatherden, Penton Mewsey, Redenham, Weyhill Bottom, Kimpton, Amport and Monxton.

Readers can find out more information by visiting the Check for Flooding Service.