A flood alert is still in place for the Upper Bristol area including Chippenham and Melksham and motorists are being warned not to drive through water.

The Environment Agency says more wet weather is forecast over the next few days and with River Avon levels already high more flooding can be expected.

The agency has 58 flood warnings and 200 flood alerts in place  across the country, including the Upper River Avon and tributaries including Malmesbury and Chippenham.

It removed 108 flood alerts on Sunday, including those for the Upper Avon and tributaries between Upavon and Salisbury.

Wiltshire Times: Taking a chance these drivers drove through the road closure signs. Images: Trevor Porter 50568-1cTaking a chance these drivers drove through the road closure signs. Images: Trevor Porter 50568-1c (Image: Trevor Porter)

The agency said: “River levels continue to steadily fall but this alert remains in place as flood risk continues at locations near the Bristol Avon, Tetbury Avon, Sherston Avon, Dauntsey Brook, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around the road at Reybridge.

Wiltshire Times: Drivers at Lacock chanced their luck crossing the flooded packhorse bridge on Saturday attracting attention from pedestrians. Image: Trevor Porter 70568-4 Drivers at Lacock chanced their luck crossing the flooded packhorse bridge on Saturday attracting attention from pedestrians. Image: Trevor Porter 70568-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

“We continue to monitor rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area.

“The weather forecast is for dry weather today but showers, some heavy, are likely later in the week and these may cause river levels to rise again.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

The warning comes as motorists were again seen driving through floods on the B3107 Bradford Road at Challymead near Melksham on Saturday.

Wiltshire Times: The flooded road at Melksham on Saturday. Image: Trevor Porter 70568 The flooded road at Melksham on Saturday. Image: Trevor Porter 70568 (Image: Trevor Porter)

 

Drivers were also witnessed attempting to negotiate the floods on the B3015 at Staverton on Saturday. Floodgates on the B3106 Holt to Staverton road were closed.

Wiltshire Times: Going fishing: this van driver had the sign carp fishing. Images: Trevor Porter 50568-1bGoing fishing: this van driver had the sign carp fishing. Images: Trevor Porter 50568-1b (Image: Trevor Porter)

Drivers once again ignored ‘road closed’ signs and some were seen taking photographs of other drivers going through the floods.

Wiltshire Times: This driver not only drove through the flood but then stopped to take a picture to add to the congestion. Images: Trevor Porter 50568-1eThis driver not only drove through the flood but then stopped to take a picture to add to the congestion. Images: Trevor Porter 50568-1e (Image: Trevor Porter)

The roads are now reopened but could be closed again later this week if river levels rise.