RIVER levels in some parts of Oxfordshire were edging towards record high levels yesterday.

In Abingdon, the River Thames was 2cm away from its highest recorded level, although in Oxford river levels started to drop.

The Thames reached 52cm at Abingdon Lock at 3pm, just below the 54cm measured in November 2012.

And at Days Lock in Little Wittenham, near Dorchester-on-Thames, the river was at 1m 22cm, only 5cm off its highest 1m 27cm at 4pm yesterday.

The Thames at Iffley Lock in Oxford dipped to 74cm from about 80cm on Sunday, still some way off its 94cm high.

Environment Agency spokesman Narinder Sokhi said: “Levels on the lower River Thames are between the levels of the January 2003 and 1947 floods.

“At the moment it is not forecast to go above the 1947 levels.”

But he added: “We urge people to remain vigilant, listen out for flood warnings and take action when they get these warnings so they can protect their property as best they can.”