River levels falling but groundwater continuing to rise

Sunny spells in recent days have had an affect on river levels, with the River Kennet in Newbury falling to 1.34 metres from yesterday's 1.36 metre figure.
However, the level of the Kennet is still high for Newbury as an average range is between 0.94 metres and 1.15 metres.
Downstream the River Kennet at Theale has risen slightly overnight to 1.39 metres from 1.38 metres.
Elsewhere, the Pang at Pangbourne and Bucklebury have also fallen since yesterday standing at 0.62 metres and 0.77 metres respectively from 0.70 metres and 0.78 metres.
The River Lambourn has also dropped in Eastbury and now flows at a level of 1.49 metres from yesterday's 1.52 metre figure, while in Lambourn the river has dropped from 1.25 metres to 1.24 metres.
However, the River Lambourn at Shaw has remained at yesterday's level of 0.61 metres. An average range is between 0.11 metres and 0.32 metres.
The River Thames at Goring Lock has also fallen and now stands at 4.58 metres form yesterday's 4.69 metre figure.
While river levels have fallen, the Environment Agency said yesterday (Thursday) that groundwater levels are likely to remain high for weeks to come.
The agency says that levels in the Pang catchment are high and rising steadily, with water emerging in the dry valleys above Compton, East Ilsley and West Ilsley.
It adds that groundwater is expected to infiltrate sewers and that properties are vulnerable. (Picture tweeted by East Ilsley resident Andrew Sharp)
Thames Valley Police say that they are currently assessing all risks and taking a multi-agency approach to reduce the risk of flooding, including the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service pumping water from roads and homes.
The silver commander for the flooding operation, Chief Inspector Cecilia Agger said: "We understand that this can be a distressing time for residents affected by the floods and we have been impressed with the levels of co-operation in the communities and continue to receive positive feedback from residents in relation to the multi agency response."
In Newbury, the Environment Agency says that groundwater levels have risen above previous highs seen in 2001 and that areas of Hungerford and Marlborough are also vulnerable.
However, the EA adds that groundwater is stabilising in the Aldbourne and Lambourn catchment areas but it is emerging at the surface and infiltrating sewers.
As for tomorrow's forecast, West Berkshire will be treated to sunny spells tomorrow but a mixture of light and heavy rain is predicted to return in the early hours of Sunday morning and continue throughout the day.
West Berkshire Council flood information buses will be out and about in the following locations on Saturday:
East Illsely, Swan Public House 10am – 11am.
Compton, Village Hall car park 11.30am – 12.30pm
Pangbourne, Lay-by at infant school 1pm – 2pm
Purley, Colyton Way 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Theale, Village Hall car park 4pm – 5pm
Lambourn, St Michael’s Church 10am – 11am
Eastbury, The Plough Inn 11.30am – 12.30pm
East Garston, Village Hall car park 1pm – 2pm
Great Shefford, Swan Public House 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Shaw, Newport Road 4pm – 5pm.