Canterbury remains on flood alert as downpours continue and drivers are warned to take extra care on deluged roads.

Heavy bursts are expected to continue into next week - and temperatures are also predicted to plunge.

The city was put on alert earlier this week as a deluge of rain caused rivers to swell to alarming levels and submerged roads and paths.

An inch of rain fell on Tuesday, sparking warnings from the Environment Agency.

The Stour through the Westgate Gardens broke its banks in places and sections of the path were almost impassable.

River levels towards Grove Ferry and Chartham were also very high and flooded farmland.

The Environment Agency claims de-silting and weed and tree clearance on the Great Stour in the summer is now allowing the water to flow more freely downstream.

But Grove Ferry boatman Roy Newing, who is widely respected for his local knowledge of the river, rejects its assessment.

He said: “The river is moving very slowly and there are still a hell of a lot of reeds and rubbish blocking the flow.

“They brought in a dredger and have done some de-silting, but not enough or in the right places.

“I am also worried the Stonar Cut, which is a relief channel further down towards Sandwich, is not being operated correctly.

“Although the rain may be easing, we have very high tides coming next week and that will back up the river from Sandwich towards Fordwich.”

As water levels peaked on Tuesday, alarmed residents posted photos on the Canterbury Residents Forum, and the Environment Agency issued a yellow alert.

The road through Denton village had to be closed because it was flooded and elsewhere motorists faced deep standing water.

Chairman of the Nailbourne and Little Stour River Management Group, farmer Martin Twyman, said members were keeping a watching brief on water levels and sandbags were on standby.

He said: “At the moment, there is no immediate threat but that could change when the effects of rainfall further up the valley are felt in a few weeks’ time if the rainfall continues.”

Environment Agency manager: "The Stour Catchment, which includes Canterbury, received 90% of its average January rainfall in the first five days of the month and an additional 10mm of rain on January 7.

"Our teams have been out clearing screens and river blockages ensuring that, wherever possible, rivers and streams flow freely.

"We have also been operating the Stonar Cut since Wednesday, to reduce flood risk in the area.

"Despite the recent heavy rainfall no properties have flooded from the River Stour.

"Also, over the summer we carried out weed cutting and de-silted hot spots along the River Stour to increase the flow. These works have reduced flood risk to the area."