The River Ravensbourne on a calm day pic: Ian Yarham

The flood alerts issued yesterday for the River Ravensbourne, which flows through parts of Lewisham, have been lifted despite continued heavy rain.

On Monday, the river that flows from Keston in Bromley, through Catford, Ladywell, Lewisham and Deptford, where it reaches the River Thames, was moving faster than usual and local residents were warned by the Environment Agency that they should “be prepared.”

At Ladywell Fields the river was noticeably flowing fast.  A local resident, Lois Shelby, from Honor Oak Park, said: “I notice if there are any changes here because I walk through with my dogs at least once a day. Today it looks quite scary.”

The amber weather warning issued yesterday by the Met Office for the London area has also been downgraded today and a yellow warning for severe weather including heavy rain has been reinstated, however the Met Office has said: “The public should be aware that these could lead to localised surface water flooding”.

Yesterdays alert comes after three children were dramatically swept downstream in the River Ravensbourne following heavy rain in April. The incident required a rescue operation that included Lewisham’s fire rescue unit, water rescue teams, and a police helicopter.

The Environment Agency urges anyone close to the river to exercise greater caution than usual and to call their Floodline on 0845 988 1188 if they notice a sudden rise in its water level or any signs of flooding.

By Sean Lindholm