HOMES and businesses in Upton may need to take extra precautions following the publication of an updated map showing areas at risk from flooding.

The Environment Agency has revised the existing map and it now covers 2.2 million properties and 35 per cent more rivers.

The redrawn Flood Map uses a new digital model for England and Wales, local surveys and expert knowledge, to give a fuller picture of public risk.

It shows property owners and planners whether an area is at low, moderate or significant risk with the aim of helping people to minimise future damage by being prepared.

Places identified as being at significant risk include Upper Ham, Southend Farm, Bury End Farm, Ryall Court, Hanley Road and Waterside. This means the yearly risk of flooding is greater than 1.3 per cent (one in 75).

The news has come as some surprise to Door Panels Ltd, on Rectory Road, Upper Ham.

While its premises have been affected by flooding in the past, marketing director Gerald Allen said he was unaware the area was considered to be at such risk.

"I didn't realise it was that high risk and I must admit I wasn't aware of the map, " he said.

Mr Allen said he thought the company would want to do all it could to limit future flooding damage.

"One of the immediate thoughts that I've got is that we might need to relocate some machinery," he said.

Upton is no stranger to flooding, having been badly hit in 2000, when the town saw its worst flooding in 50 years.

On its website, the Environment Agency suggests simple ways of preventing serious damage, ways to build permanent flood defences in homes and what should be done during a flood.

All information is available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk and on the Environment Agency's 24-hour Floodline on 0845 9881188.