MARLOW residents are being evacuated from their homes as the flood crisis continues to worsen.

Several residents have said the current water levels are the worst they have ever seen in the town - and it's expected to get worse after the Environment Agency issued a fresh flood warning for Marlow.

Pound Lane - which is already closed to traffic - and Lock Road are the worst affected areas, while crews from Marlow fire station have spent the day pumping water away from St Peter Street.

Some residents have been told to leave their homes, and they will be put up at the Age Concern centre in Glade Road.

Town clerk Annie Jones said the charity's base is being set up as a refuge centre that residents can drop in to.

She said: "The Environment Agency are down at Mill Road. They are clearly concerned and taking the situation seriously.

"I've been told by a number of people it's the worst they have known in their memory, for sure. Unfortunately we are expecting more."

Marlow has been issued with a flood warning by the Environment Agency, meaning flooding is expected and immediate action is required.

Other parts of the River Thames have been given severe flood warnings - meaning there is a possible danger to life.

Simon Hughes, Regional Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We encourage everyone at risk of flooding to listen to and co-operate with the emergency services, particularly those in the areas where severe flood warnings have been issued.

“Our teams are out in force checking that flood defences and barriers are in good working order and our Flood Ambassadors are on the ground helping people and communities.”

The Longridge Activity Centre in Marlow has been particularly badly affected by the flooding.

CEO Amanda Foister said: "My colleague Mark has been here 15 years and it's definitely the worst he's ever seen. He said this morning it's the highest level it's ever been. The worst before was in 1948 and he's saying it's now above that. It's unprecedented."

She said the recently-built training centre was at risk from flood damage as well and appealed for help to avert an even bigger clean-up operation by removing its flooring now before floodwaters rise even higher.

She said: "All the buildings are either flooded or are about to be apart from the training centre.

"We're putting out a plea to help rip the floor and the carpet up as it will almost certainly flood tomorrow. It's four feet off the ground and I can't get my head round the fact it will flood. It's unbelievable."

Anyone able to offer help can contact Emmalleen on 07540411782.

For the latest flood warnings and information, go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.