The Environment Agency has tonight issued a flood alert for parts of the Lower River Medway.

The agency says that flooding is possible along the River Medway from Hampstead Lock at Yalding to Allington Lock.

That includes East Farleigh, Wateringbury, Teston and Teston Park, Tovil and Maidstone’s Millennium Park.

It says that river levels are forecast to rise due to persistent heavy rainfall, with flooding likely on low-lying land and roads.

The alert is in force from 7pm.

Further rainfall is forecast tomorrow afternoon and into Tuesday.

The agency said that people should avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and should not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

The agency will update its warning at 9am tomorrow, New Year’s Day.

The new warning comes after a yellow alert was issued this morning for Folkestone and Romney Marsh, forecasting gales of up to 75mph in that area, along with heavy rain.

That alert is still in force.

Yalding has suffered several floods over the years, but villagers insist it is a price worth paying to live in such a lovely village.

For more information on flooding, visit this website to see the current flood warnings.

Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using the quickdial code: 217033.