A flood alert has been issued for parts of Kent – whilst a dormant river’s rising water level continues to be monitored.

Canterbury City Council sounded the alarm with the Nailbourne – which usually runs dry – continuing to flow through the outskirts of the city.

Residents in Barham, Bekesbourne, Bridge, Bishopsbourne, Patrixbourne and the Petham and Alkham bourne have all been warned to prepare for potential flood damage.

However, the council has been clear in its summary of the situation that the flood alert is linked to groundwater as opposed to anything to do with the Nailbourne.

Council officials maintain the situation is flow not flood and it is understood the situation is not yet severe enough to warrant intervention from the council or Environment agency.

Experience engineering crews have been working this week to deploy flood barriers along South Barham Road, which is closed alongside The Causeway in Barham.

Work continues alongside sandbagging in strategic locations, according to the local authority, which put out the flood alert yesterday.

Waste contractor Canenco will also be looking at what measures can be put in place to reduce disruption on behalf of the council and villagers.

It follows recent sustained heavy rainfall across the county which has seen flooding in other areas of Kent.

It is hoped drier conditions over the weekend will help reduce the impact of the flow.

The Nailbourne meanders past multiple homes surrounding Canterbury.

From Barham, the often-dry tributary makes its way to the lake at Bourne Park after passing Derringstone and Bishopsbourne.

It later becomes the Little Stour and carries on northwards before it merges into the River Stour at Plucks Gutter, near Sarre.

The Nailbourne last flowed in February this year.

A council spokesman said :"Our engineers are out working hard to help protect residents and while weather conditions look slightly more favourable over the next few days, we are not complacent.

"Close monitoring of the situation will continue into the Christmas and new year period.

"We would encourage people in the affected areas to sign up for flood warnings on the national government website and updates will be posted on our website and social media pages as required."