WORRIED environment Agency chiefs are concerned that the wettest November in 50 years has led to water levels comparable to those recorded before winter flooding in 2000.

They say rainfall has been between two and a half and three times the amount usually expected during the month.

Groundwater flooding is now expected to occur in some areas, but the extent of flooding will depend on rainfall during the next few weeks.

An Environment Agency checkpoint at Clanville Gate has recorded groundwater levels in Vernham Dean, Upton and Hurstbourne Tarrant rising rapidly since last month.

The Bourne Rivulet is now flowing from Upton and groundwater levels are close to those recorded two years ago. Cellar flooding is expected in Upton. Levels at Hatherden and Apple-shaw have also risen rapidly and are high for this time of year.

Monitoring is being increased at King's Somborne as levels have risen rapidly and are now above average. Some flooding is possible in the village. Penton Mewsey, Weyhill, Kimpton and Redenham are also experiencing unusually high water levels.

Meanwhile, weather expert Trevor Wheeler says November was the wettest month since records began in Hurstbourne Tarrant 35 years ago.

A total of 246.1 millilitres, or 9.68 inches, fell during the month compared with an average of 85.3 millimetres or 3.36 inches.

Not only was it the wettest November since records began in the village in 1967, it was the wettest of all the months since then. However, there needs to be another five inches of rain before the end of December to make it the wettest year since 1967.

The Environment Agency is now producing a newsletter urging residents and property owners in Hampshire to be prepared for groundwater flooding following prolonged heavy rainfall. The newsletter is available on the agency's website at /www. environment-agency. gov.uk It will be sent by email to anyone who asks to be kept informed about flood issues; flood action co-ordinators in villages under threat will also be contacted. Information is available 24 hours a day from the agency's floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Five boreholes are connected to phone lines and report levels back to the office whenever requested.

New boreholes will be in place over the coming months including at Vernham Dean and King's Somborne.