Reminder for children to stay away from watercourses as River Kennet in Theale rises

Between 4.30am yesterday (Tues) and 4.30am today, the River Kennet at Theale rose from 1.40m to 1.46m, however in Newbury it dropped from 1.38m to 1.37m in the same period.
The River Pang also rose from 0.76m to 0.78m, supporting warnings from professionals that while the drier weather may be welcome, the effect of heavy rainfall will have an accumulative effect on local waterways.
And while today (Weds) is set to be dry and overcast throughout, further downpours are expected for most of the day tomorrow, prompting further warnings to residents to remain vigilant against further flooding, even in areas where river levels have already dropped.
West Berkshire Council and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) are urging parents to ensure that children stay away from floodwater and local waterways during this week’s half-term break.
Executive portfolio holder for emergency planning at West Berkshire Council, Pamela Bale (Con, Pangbourne), said: "There may be a temptation for children in particular to approach watercourses, but in these conditions this can be extremely dangerous.
"Currents are fast, there can be unseen obstacles below the water surface and all floodwater should be considered as a potential threat to safety.
"I urge all parents, guardians and childminders to ensure children stay away from the water's edge."
Several community open spaces, fields and parks which would usually be a popular destination during half-term are also still flooded, including Northcroft playing fields (pictured).
Army troops from 4 Rifle B Company are still based at the Newbury News Ltd offices on Faraday Road, Newbury, and are continuing to assist West Berkshire Council and the emergency services with flood relief operations.
A spokeswoman for the RBFRS, Ellie Gray, said yesterday (Tues) that while the flooding situation in Berkshire was beginning to calm, the county still remained under condition red and was still receiving support from more than 25 other fire and rescue services.
A number of roads in the district are still closed due to flooding, including ...
The A338 Newbury Road through Great Shefford;
High Street, Compton;
Lower Way, Thatcham;
Ufton Nervet Lane;
Several local footpaths are also closed.
A full list of both is available here: http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28951
How is the flooding where you are?
Let the NewburyToday team know by emailing reporters Ellis Barker or John Herring on ellis.barker@newburynews.co.uk or john.herring@newburynews.co.uk