HEAVY rainfall and gale force winds are resulting in tricky driving conditions in and around the town this afternoon.

A tree has come down on the A338 at Collingbourne Ducis, completely blocking the road to motorists. 

Power lines on the road have also been damaged in the incident. A Wiltshire Police spokesman said the relevant agencies have been made aware of the incident and are attending to assist with clearing the road. Drivers have been warned to avoid the area for the next few hours.

Bad flooding is also causing issues on the B4192 Liddington to Aldbourne Road. The council has been informed for consideration of road closures and drivers are again being urged to find an alternative route.

Other roads outside of Swindon currently affected by the flooding include West Street in Aldbourne, Oxford Street in Aldbourne, Lottage Road in Aldbourne and Old Wharf Road in Longcot.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "Numerous busy routes in Wiltshire are suffering from standing water and obstacles that are causing a hazard. Generally the motoring public should be guided to be very careful this evening and to drive in accordance with the road and weather conditions.

"Several roads will be closed overnight and the public need to find alternate routes."

Meanwhile, the high winds have caused severe damage to a 400 year old yew tree in Wroughton churchyard this afternoon. Canon Michael Johnson said: "Fortunately no one was hurt and none of the historic gravestones below the tree were damaged. The branch will be cleared so that churchgoers will be able to get into the church on Sunday."

With more rain expected over the weekend , local people are being asked to adhere to safety advice and ensure they are as prepared as possible should their homes be at risk of flooding.

Wiltshire Council and its partners are working with local communities to ensure homes and businesses are protected from flooding.

Rain is expected throughout the weekend and rainfall in neighbouring counties is affecting river levels in Wiltshire. Groundwater levels are still very high.

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for flooding, said: "We're expecting more rain this weekend and we are working with our partners to keep people who could be at risk from flooding informed. We'll have staff supporting those people who are most vulnerable as well as teams out across the county helping to keep roads clear."

This work is being coordinated by the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) which prepares for, responds to and helps with the recovery from local major incidents and emergencies

Teams from Wiltshire Council are already out in force, dealing with flooded roads and properties.

People who see a blocked road are being asked to report it, although it may take some time for the team to reach minor roads. If people wish to report a highway issue, they can call the council’s highways team on 0300 456 0105.

Information is available on the Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum website: http://wiltshireandswindonprepared.org.uk/