A flood alert is in place for areas around Reading, with people advised to avoid low lying land and paths by the River Loddon. 

The alert covers areas including Swallowfield, Arborfield, Shinfield, Barkham, Lower Earley, Sindlesham, Winnersh, Woodley, Hurst and Waltham-St-Lawrence.

Environment Agency staff are monitoring the situation and clearing trash screens along the waterway. 

Property flooding is not currently expected, according to the government agency.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "River levels on the Lower River Loddon are starting to rise again today (20/10/2024) following overnight rainfall.

"Therefore, flooding of low lying land and roads is possible, especially in the Sindlesham area. Light to moderate persistent showers are forecast for today (Saturday), which should clear by the early afternoon."

Last month, councillors warned that areas around Reading "have a long and difficult winter ahead" torrential rainfall across the summer has left some waterways ready to burst.