PEOPLE living in coastal areas need not be unduly concerned by reports that the highest tides of the year on Monday and Tuesday will cause major flooding chaos, according to the Environment Agency.

Sea levels around England and Wales are forecast to rise next week and tides are expected to be a third higher than normal in some areas.

But the Environment Agency have said that flooding is unlikely to occur unless low pressure comes in and creates stormy conditions, and the 10-day forecast does not indicate this.

A spokesperson said: "The high tides on their way do not pose a threat because sea defences getting swept away, waves building up, and flooding are dependent on the weather conditions as well as the tides. I would advise people living in coastal areas to keep a watch on the weather but not to be unduly concerned, and the Environment Agency will issue flood warnings if necessary."