The flooding in Kenley and parts of Purley is being treated as a major incident with Croydon Council braced for the situation to worsen over the next few days.

With more heavy and persistent rain forecast over the weekend the council is on high flood alert.

Work is taking place around the clock to pump water in order to manage the rising levels along the Bourne and surrounding areas.

Firefighters are pumping 5,000 litres of water a minute away from a stricken waterworks in Kenley, Croydon.

A dedicated support crew who have been working through the night as part of the inter-agency response to protect the waterworks from flooding. Crews are likely to remain at the scene throughout the weekend.

Homes and businesses, mainly at the bottom of the Bourne Valley alongside the A22 Godstone Road, which are most at risk, have been visited by council staff over the past few days to ensure they are prepared if the water level should rise further.

Some of these homes have been provided with sandbags where it is believed they will be of use.

Letters are being delivered to about 1,500 homes and businesses that will potentially be affected if the water levels rise any further.

The council is currently monitoring the levels of the Bourne and officers have been clearing culverts, screens and road gullies.

Residents are advised to be prepared for the potential flooding of their homes and to check current flood warnings by calling the Environment Agency’s floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Council leader Councillor Mike Fisher said: “We are doing everything we can to prepare for flooding and to make local residents and businesses, who will be potentially affected aware.

“We have been told worse weather on the way and we want to make sure we are as prepared as we can possibly be.

“It is important to emphasise that the majority of Croydon will not be affected but we would ask everyone to be vigilant, keep an eye on what’s happening and take action as required.”

Click here for regularly updated flood information on Croydon Council’s website.

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