Telford MP says flood barriers in Ironbridge 'a real hammer blow for the economy' - but businesses stay open for now

Flood barriers have again been installed in Ironbridge after Storm Bert battered much of the UK with heavy downpours that have caused flooding around Shropshire and the wider country.

Today, the Environment Agency (EA) issued a flood warning for the River Severn at Ironbridge and Jackfield that said: "River levels are rising at the Buildwas river gauge following heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland is expected today."

It added that "no further significant rainfall is expected" during the next 48 hours, but that showers are possible.

The EA expects river levels to remain high for several days and asked residents to activate any property flood protection products, such as flood barriers and air brick covers.

Mr Davies said that anxiety "remains high" amongst residents and businesses during this time of year.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Shaun Davies said: "It’s a real hammer blow for the economy in the world heritage site each and every time the temporary flood barriers are erected. 

"Will the secretary of state instruct the Environment Agency to come up with a plan and resource for frequently flooded areas, particularly year on year when it gets worse in places like Ironbridge Gorge?"

The Telford MP followed by inviting the Secretary of State for Environment to Ironbridge, to which Steve Reed replied: "Thank you very much for his invitation to visit the Gorge, which I would very much like to take him up on when time allows.

"I am sure he will welcome the review of the flood funding formula which will allow us to take different approaches to managing flooding in ways that will be much more effective.

"But, he should also be aware that the Environment Agency will be carrying out their allocation funding in the usual way through the relevant committees that they operate and he should feed his views also into that."

The recent installation of flood barriers in Ironbridge is the second time in just over a month that the Environment Agency has moved to protect the region using defences.

Speaking after his speech in Parliament, Shaun Davies MP said: "Yesterday (Monday), in the House of Commons I raised the persistent flooding challenges we face in Ironbridge, particularly the reliance on temporary flood barriers during each flood event. The Cabinet Minister has agreed to visit and see for himself the ‘hammer blow’ of the economy and homes.

"The anxiety among residents and businesses remains high and especially at this time of year with extreme weather like Storm Bert this past weekend.

"I welcome the Government’s review of the flood funding formula as an important step toward finding a lasting solution.

"I am fully committed to advocating for permanent flood protection for properties and working with fellow 'River Severn MPs' to adopt a whole-river approach that addresses flood risks at their source."

The flood barriers in Ironbridge means that no traffic can pass through the High Street, Wharfage or Tontine Hill where businesses are situated - next to the famous Iron Bridge.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star, chef and owner of Truffles Cafe, Nick Barratt admitted that business does slightly drop off, but welcomed the use of flood defences and increased signage to notify residents and visitors that businesses remain open.

He said: "We do notice a little bit of a decrease in business. But, now there is adequate signage outside and all the way through to Madeley hill to say that business is open which helps trade a little bit.

"It is a little bit of an overkill I think from the Environment Agency but I understand why they do it - to keep us all safe. It is something that I don’t really look forward to because it does drop in trade a little bit. But, sometimes if it does get really bad we get our disaster tourists coming down and that can make it a bit busier.

"We’re quite high up so the water doesn’t usually come as high as we are unless it is severe flooding. The barriers are amazing and they do a really good job. They do save businesses a lot of money.

"I think if they were there for more than two or three weeks then they would affect business, but normally they are pretty diligent with it and track the river levels quite a lot."

Information about flood warnings in Ironbridge and Shropshire can be found on the Government's website.