River watchers are becoming increasingly fearful that homes and roads in east Kent could be flooded.

The Environment Agency is continuing to issue flood alerts for the Stour and the Nailbourne Valley near Canterbury after several days of rain and high tides.

With a further spring tide today and more heavy rain forecast tomorrow, at particular risk is Plucks Gutter and Grove Ferry near Canterbury.

Recently, Grove Ferry boatyard owner Roy Newing warned that dozens of trees in the Stour were causing the river to back up.

Already the Stour has flooded surrounding marshes and the Westgate Gardens in Canterbury.

But Martin Twyman, who chairs the Little Stour and Nailbourne River Management Group, fears there is worse to come.

"I'm very anxious about what is ahead because the river continues to build up towards Fordwich, " he said.

"The fact is that we are a fortnight ahead in terms of what we would expect flooding levels to be which is a worry.

"And that's largely due to the 151mm of rain we had in January compared to 50mm last year."

Mr Twyman, a farmer, said: "We still have a long period of winter and more rain forecast and there's no sign of any settled weather.

"I am very nervous because I think we have some bad times ahead. I don't want to be alarmist but people need to be prepared."

Mr Twyman says he has a barnful of sandbags stockpiled on standby for use, if needed.

"We've been having Zoom meetings with the Environment Agency and I have been quite firm in saying I don't think they quite realise how things have changed since last year.

"We have to get this water away down river and that is the problem because it's backing up.

"I am predicting we will get the infiltration of water in the sewage system in the Littlebourne area and tankers will be need to go around pumping out sewers in houses."

The EA is continuing to clear blocked drains and monitor the situation. It is also warning drivers to steer clear of flooded roads and advises the public to keep up to date with the latest alerts on its website.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury