South Croydon flooding declared a 'major incident'

Residents in parts of south London are being warned that their properties could be at risk of flooding.

Croydon Council has declared a "major incident" in parts of Kenley, Purley and South Croydon.

Leaflets have been delivered to about 1,500 homes and businesses warning that buildings could be at risk, the local authority said.

The basements of some properties had flooded but no homes have been evacuated thus far.

'Touch and go'

The council is currently monitoring the levels at the Caterham Bourne, where a flood alert is in place.

The leader of Croydon Council, Mike Fisher, said: "We are doing everything we can to prepare for flooding and make local residents and businesses aware.

"We have been told worse weather is on the way and we want to make sure we are as prepared as we can possibly be."

The Met Police is advising drivers to avoid the A22 Godstone Road, in Kenley, which has been closed owing to flooding.

Sutton and East Surrey Water said they were taking precautions to prevent water treatment works in Godstone Road from flooding.

"It's touch and go at the moment with each new downpour adding to the possibility of the site being overwhelmed with flood water," said operations manager Richard Rap.

Sandbags have been placed around key operating buildings and pumps have been installed to take water away from the site.