HOMEOWNERS in flood risk areas were keeping an anxious eye on weather reports today as heavy rain lashed Gwent once more.

Across Britain flood warnings ahave been issued, and the Environment Agency's head of flood defence, David Rooke, said yesterday the flood situation was "pretty bad and getting worse".

Warnings are in force for the River Wye area, particularly Monmouth (pictured), where locals are hoping that the rain will end soon.

Sam Fletcher, owner of the Three Horseshoes, Mon-mouth, said: "I worry about the risk of flooding every time it rains and lengthy rain is always going to cause us problems". Mr Fletcher, who has been flooded twice before, said the River Wye was a couple metres above normal.

He said: "We have had to redecorate the pub twice and each time it has cost us thousands."

The total cost of refurbishment after the two floods was more than £60,000. He added: "My insurance has gone up three times from what it used to be and I just hope it does not continue in that way.

"All some of the alleviation schemes do is keep water from one place and move it to another.

Mr Fletcher said: "I hope that something more will be done this year to beef up the flood prevention scheme we already have in place."

David Davies, Conser-vative AM for Monmouth, said: "An issue of great concern is flooding. I live in Monmouth and it's been severely affected, and, as things stand, nothing has been done to alleviate the situation."

Councillor Alan Wintle, representing Vauxhall ward in Monmouth, said yesterday afternoon: "The river is up and it is not raining heavily at the present moment. people are understandably worried about the situation."

Residents in areas such as Drybridge Street, where they have suffered in previous years due to flooding, were concerned, Councillor Wintle said.

He said: "The Assembly have said they would do something about it but I understand it could take up to two years before anything will be done."

Police said today there were no reported problems as a result of the heavy rain. Drier weather is expected to arrive in all parts of Wales tomorrow and during the weekend.

The Environment Agency is advising people to contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or log on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk for the latest information.