Flood barrier which divided a community to be dismantled

A controversial flood barrier which divided a community is being dismantled after experts said water levels on the Lower Thames have stabilised.

The 600-metre aqua-dam was pumped full of flood water on Friday to protect 200 homes at Chertsey in Surrey.

The owners of properties on the "wrong side" of the barrier claimed they were being sacrificed. The Environment Agency said today the aqua-dam would be dismantled over the next two days following consultation with the emergency services and local authorities. Water from the aqua-dam will be pumped back into the Thames.

The agency said groundwater levels in Surrey and Berkshire continue to rise. increasing the risk of localised flooding.

Environment Agency Regional Manager Simon Hughes said:

Watch Simon's report on the latest news from the floods