THE Thames Barrier is being closed for this morning's tide after rain continued to fall, raising further flooding fears.

Environment Agency officials took the decision in order to reduce the flood risk from the Thames after heavy rain.

The Woolwich Reach barrier, which became operational in 1982, was last closed in March 2010.

A spokesman for the agency said the barrier was expected to be closed by 11.15am and would reopen again by 3pm.

Across the country, agency emergency teams have been working to shore up defences after flooding affected around 470 properties.