Wallingford has continued to be impacted by ongoing flooding, affecting residents and businesses, with warnings remaining in place.

As the water level of the River Thames continued to swell, rise and peak over the weekend, The Boat House in Wallingford was forced to close suddenly.

The waterfront pub overlooking the Thames River announced online that this would be “until further notice.”

The river level had risen significantly since Friday (January 5), creeping over the seating terrace used by customers and steps up towards the interior at the rear of the property.

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The announcement prompted concerned responses from customers who expressed both well wishes and upset. A reopening date is yet to be confirmed.

The Boat House was contacted for further comment.

Flooding left the Riverside Car Park submerged with several cars, including a Mini caught underneath the floodwater only barely remaining visible.

Wallingford Museum shared on social media that, on Saturday (January 6), the River Thames had surpassed 2003 and 2007 flood water level markers in the town.

Wallingford Town Council confirmed that as of Sunday (January 7) flood warnings remain in place for the town and the surrounding areas.

A statement published on the council’s website said: “In Wallingford, the riverside area continues to be impacted by flood water and rising ground water.

“Whilst it’s quite a striking sight to see the water meadows doing their job, the bridge area is understandably attracting a large number of spectators. Please remember to stay at a safe distance.”

The council has urged all town residents and visitors not to allow children or dogs to play in flood water due to the dangers it may be laced with. 

It also encouraged anyone who had been in flood water to wash their hands at the soonest possible opportunity.

The authority’s further advice echoed warnings issued by the Environment Agency since Saturday (January 6) to avoid driving through flood water, avoid towpaths and always remain at a safe distance from flood water and stay on higher ground where possible.

The statement added: “Some of our residents and their properties have been impacted by the floods. You may see water discharging into roads, this is helping to keep properties safe.

“Please take care of any obstacles on pavements and roads, especially as the temperatures are forecast to drop with risk of ice.”

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Oxfordshire county councillor for Wallingford Dr Pete Sudbury said: “Emergency teams have done an extremely good job given the unpredictability of the weather, which is a reflection of the Atlantic’s temperature being the highest since records began.

“The county council is now working to see how we tackle this going forward such as with drainage, changing use of farm land and working with partners.”

Despite rainfall not being forecast for the coming days, Oxfordshire County Council has warned water levels have now stabilised but will “remain high for another few days”.