New maps to show where flooding might occur were released this week by the environment Agency and it warned that several historic areas in Winchester could be in danger.

The maps show where floods are likely within the next 200 years or sooner, enabling residents to see if their home is threatened.

Malcolm Tarling, of the Association of British Insurers, said there were several ways to minimise damageand reduce premiums, including moving power points away from ground level and replacing wooden floors with more watertight concrete ones. He added that inflatable skirts could be installed around some properties to repel floodwater.

In Winchester, the maps show the Winchester School of Art and St Bede School as being at risk. St Bede's was flooded in December, 2000 and pupils moved to temporary classrooms until April 2003.

The water could also flow into the police and fire stations in North Walls, along with River Park Leisure Centre.

Much of the proposed site for the £100m Friarsgate redevelopment is also under threat, the maps suggest. Water might also pour into the Broadway, along with the city council HQ and The Guildhall.

A council spokesman said they had flood contingency plans, adding that some were put into action when the Guildhall's Saxon Suite was under water in December 2000. The authority would also equip businesses in the city centre with sandbags if floods came.

The eastern end of the Cathedral grounds and Wolvesey, the Bishop of Winchester's residence, are also at risk, the agency suggests.

Downstream, the agency believes Twyford and Shawford would escape serious flooding, although the watermeadows between would not. Also on the Itchen, the western fringes of Bishopstoke may be under threat, the maps suggest.

They also indicate that a few homes in western Chandler's Ford and Valley Park could be at risk from the Monks Brook and its tributaries.

The maps show the River Meon could also flood some properties in Wickham, while further upstream, homes in Corhampton and Meonstoke are at risk.

Moving east, parts of Hambledon near Denmead, which was flooded in late 2000, are also identified as threatened. Botley would emerge relatively unscathed if the River Hamble flooded, and Bursledon and Hamble village would also escape, the agency states.

Further west, Lymington's sea defences should withstand the rising waters, the maps show. They also indicate that Beaulieu, along with the abbey, Palace House and motor museum, would not be harmed.

* To view the flood maps, visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk. For extra information, call the agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188.