Defences are set to be put out as villages brace for water levels rising from a normally dormant river.

But council bosses said last week the flow of the Nailbourne near Canterbury, which typically runs dry unless heavy winter rain batters the land, was not being treated as a flood.

However, with the stream having come as far as Barham and continuing to grow in size, the authority has now confirmed demountable flood barriers will be deployed tomorrow morning.

The protection will be implemented along South Barham Road, which is currently closed alongside The Causeway in Barham but has not yet reached Bishopsbourne.

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.

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 Canterbury City Council spokesman previously said: “Our head of engineering, Liam Wooltorton, and his team are monitoring the situation closely.

“We are very clear the current situation is flow not flood.

“That said, we are poised to deploy demountable flood barriers and sandbags if needed.

“Liam is also liaising closely with the Environment Agency and Kent County Council should road closures be needed and is in close contact with the Nailbourne River Group which comprises all of the key stakeholders, including those from the relevant parish councils.”