Bridge washed away in Shropshire floods

Bridges and gardens were swept away and people evacuated from their homes after parts of Shropshire were devastated by flash flooding.

Houses were flooded and today the Burwarton Show, which normally attracts 20,000 people, was cancelled.

South Shropshire was worst affected where swollen rivers destroyed two bridges at Neen Sollars and Ditton Mill, near Cleobury Mortimer.

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Forecasters today warned of more unsettled weather ahead but the rain has vanished for now.

Flood alerts remain on the Severn, the Lower Teme near Ludlow and the Tern and Perry catchments in north Shropshire.

A bridge, sheds and gardens were washed away at Dippers Bank Park, a retirement park at Ditton Mill, near Cleobury Mortimer, when Ditton

Brook was turned into a torrent on Saturday. Two couples were helped from their homes by boat. Freezers and tumble dryers were swept away.

Meanwhile part of a bridge at Neen Sollars, near Cleobury Mortimer, was destroyed by rising waters on the River Rea. Most of the parapet was swept away.

About four feet of water poured into nearby Tetstill Mill, and part of the road at Ronhill was also destroyed.

Pennerley, near Minsterley, was the wettest place in Britain on Friday with with 42mm (1.6in) falling in 24 hours to 7am on Saturday.

Sam Todd, from the Environment Agency, said:?"At Cleobury, we recorded the highest ever level on the River Rea. The outlook is for isolated heavy showers. We will be out removing blockages to reduce flood risk."

Burwarton organisers said the extreme weather and the poor forecast left them with 'no option'.

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