ENVIRONMENTAL experts are keeping a close eye on Winchester as the wet weather continues.

A flood alert is still in place across the city as the River Itchen rises higher.

Winnall Moors Nature Reserve has been closed due to flooding and damage to the paths.

A pedestrian footpath along Water Lane has been closed and the river is beginning to overspill along the residential road.

Part of North Walls Recreation Ground is temporarily shut as council workers erect more flood defences.

A statement from the Environment Agency says: "Water levels in the River Itchen at Winchester are very high. In the last three days more than 80mm of rain has been recorded at Otterbourne.

"This is more than a month’s rain and follows a prolonged wet winter. Most of the river channels through Winchester are flowing at bank full."

Further rain is forecast today and tomorrow (Thursday) and could cause more flooding at North Walls Recreation Ground.

However, property damage is not expected.

Flood alerts are still in place at Twyford, Hursley, Bramdean, Cheriton, Littleton, King Worthy and Stockbridge.