A Winchester school which had to be rebuilt following severe flooding could be hit by water in the future.

St Bede School in Gordon Road is one of several historic parts of the city highlighted on new flood maps produced by the Environment Agency.

The maps show areas where floods are likely within the next 200 years, enabling residents to see if their homes are threatened.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, the Environment Agency's website has been bombarded by anxious homeowners desperately trying to find out if their properties are affected.

St Bede School was forced to close following massive floods in December 2000.

After being moved to temporary accommodation in Bereweeke Road for two years, it reopened at its original site last spring following a £1.95m refurbishment.

Hampshire County Council hopes the 350-pupil school will be well equipped to deal with any future flooding after the floor level was raised by two feet.

Other specialist measures to help cope with extreme rainfalls include new heating, electrical and drainage systems.

Also at risk, according to the new maps, are Winchester School of Art, the police and fire stations in North Walls, River Park Leisure Centre, the Broadway, Winchester City Council's headquarters and the Guildhall.

Today a Winchester City Council spokesman said the areas highlighted had already been identified as potential flooding spots after problems four years ago, and contingency plans were in place.

The council would give advice and sandbags to city centre businesses if the need arose.