THE army have once again joined the fight to save a Hampshire town.

Soldiers from 3 Division Signal Regiment arrived in Romsey at around 12.30pm to lay sandbags at the River Test in Fishlake Meadows.

Royal Engineers are still working on flood defences at nearby Fishlake Stream but a surge in water levels is expected in the early afternoon.

The action is taking place near Budds Lane, which police were considering closing at 12pm, but remains open.

A police spokesman added: "We have been told to expect a surge after 12noon and the army are here to help. We will do our best to keep the roads open."

Budds Lane and Greatbridge Road were both reopened last night after being shut for more than a week.

Traffic is still slow in the latter due to three-way temporary traffic lights at a nearby roundabout where Hampshire Highways are pumping water out.

It is understood water levels in the Greatbridge area have risen by six inches overnight.

Sixteen troops from 3DIV are in Fishlake Meadows laying around 500 sandbags along the river banks.

Police officers are currently managing traffic in Greatbridge Road, Budds Lane and Fishlake Meadows.