Shrewsbury, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth flood warnings still in place as Severn peaks
The River Severn still threatens parts of Shrewsbury, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth where flood warnings remain in place today.
Storm Jorge brought masses of rain last weekend and the effects are now being felt in Shropshire, with the River Severn carrying the excess water through the county and testing barriers.
At the Welsh Bridge in Shrewsbury, the river was this morning at about 3.4m, below the 4.25m it reached on Monday morning but still within the flooding range.
Flooding is still affecting offices at the West Mid Showground and Gravel Hill Lane. The Environment Agency warned that river levels will likely remain high for the next few days.
Drivers have also been warned to plan their routes away from low-lying roads near rivers.
Five replacement skips are now in place for Shrewsbury businesses and residents affected by flooding; two in Longden Coleham, two in St Julian’s and one at the bottom of Wyle Cop, opposite the NCP car park.
Frankwell main and riverside car parks remain closed but this afternoon Shropshire Council said St Julian's Friars car park is now open but with some spaces still coned off.
The council said: "Please do not park beyond the coned area as river levels are expected to rise again over the week with further rain forecast."
The following Shrewsbury Roads are also closed:
Gravel Hill Lane
Sydney Avenue
Atcham to Cross Houses
Chiltern Farm Lane
Berwick Road
Old Coleham
Victoria Avenue
Cressage to Eaton Constantine
London Road is also closed one-way (eastbound) for BT cable work, meaning there is no access to the A5.
See also:
In Bridgnorth the river has been around a peak of 4.5m and 4.6m since Monday morning. Last week the peak was 5.19m.
Yesterday Bridgnorth's mayor Ron Whittle said he felt for the businesses that have seen a hit to their custom because of the floods keeping people away from the town centre.
He said: "A lot of businesses, especially retail businesses, are having a pretty tough time and when you start losing a couple of weeks' business in one go it does have quite an effect on them."
The Riverside and Riverside West elevated car park in Bridgnorth remain closed, as do the following roads:
Doctors Lane
Riverside
Severnside.
Two more Shropshire towns will benefits from free bus services this month in the aftermath of the recent floods.
The announcement from Shropshire Council follows the news that Shrewsbury's Park and Ride will be free every day until March 14.
At the Buildwas river gauge near Ironbridge, the river was at about 5.3m, below the 6.8m peak of last week that saw people evacuated and businesses ruined, but still well within the flooding range.
Several residents are still in emergency accommodation at the Valley hotel in Ironbridge.
Melverley is a village near the Powys border that sits on the River Severn and the River Vyrnwy. The river level at Cae Howel was 5.36m today and people are advised to avoid low-lying footpaths and roads.
North Shropshire road closures:
Colliery Road, St Martins
Clarke’s Lane, St Martins
Burma Road, Park Hall, Whittington
South Shropshire road closures
B4368 Clun to Newcastle (road slip)
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Need help - here's where to find it
Financial support is available to those affected, with a £500 payment and possible follow-up grants. Call 0345 6789006 for details.
Our councils offer up to date advice. In Telford call 01952 384000, in Shropshire call 0345 678 9006 and in Powys call 0345 602 7035.
If your food business had been affected, contact Shropshire Council Health Protection Team. Call 0345 6789067 or email food@shropshire.gov.uk
The government provides a guide on recovery from a flood. Visit gov.uk/government/publications/personal-flood-plan
The Environment Agency can give advice on watercourses near your home or business. Call 03708 506506.
