The River Severn at the two gateways into Shrewsbury must be cleaned up if floods are going to be prevented in the future, Shrewsbury’s borough council leader today warned.

Councillor Peter Nutting said a clean-up of the River Severn in the town was desperately needed to get rid of silt and rubbish hindering the flow of the water.

He said he was particularly worried about areas near the English and Welsh Bridges.

He is calling for work to be carried out along the banks to improve access and clear weeds.

At a meeting on Monday, cabinet members will consider whether a proper plan for maintenance of the river should be drawn up.

Councillor Nutting said: “There’s considerable growth around the banks of the river in places and I’m also concerned about silt which is building up at the English and Welsh Bridges.”

He said work was needed to ensure the River Boat Sabrina, which offers tours up and down the river, could move freely.

“At the Welsh Bridge, one of the arches is more or less blocked. Downstream of the English Bridge, there’s a considerable amount of silt which must be reduced to improve the flow of water in times of flood,” Councillor Nutting said.

“It’s not really the job of the borough council, but in the absence of anyone else, I think somebody should make the first move.”