WATER levels on the River Dee are expected to fall and the likelihood of flooding is predicted to lessen within the next few days.

An update today (Friday, January 5) to the flood alert for Chester and surrounding areas says that whilst river levels are still high, there is set to be a drop in the amount of rainfall that will allow the Dee to return to normal.

The Government's flood alert site states: "Water levels are still high on the River Dee and flooding of land is still possible, however, the river is now slowly, but steadily, falling and after some showers today (Friday 5th January) there is no more rain forecast for the next few days at least so we expect the river to continue to fall.

"However, levels are likely to remain above the Flood Alert threshold until Wednesday 10th January."

Areas in the River Dee catchment, which covers the likes of Shocklach, Farndon, Handley, Lower Kinnerton, Chester and Puddington, have been affected by flooding for several days with low lying land particularly susceptible to flooding.

Roads such as Townfield Lane have also been cut off by the water.

The Government say that the situation will remain under observation, with an update scheduled for before noon on Monday, January 8.