The Sabrina footbridge is set to reopen in Worcester.

The crossing was closed when the River Severn was rising in the city earlier this week.

Worcestershire County Council says it expects the main bridge to reopen to traffic westbound, heading towards St John's, from 12:30., external

Image source, British Transport Police

The flooding situation in Herefordshire is continuing to improve as two flood warnings have been removed this morning.

Image source, Herefordshire Council

The Environment Agency has downgraded them on the River Wye from Hereford to Ross on Wye , externaland the River Lugg at Hampton Bishop. , external

It says river levels have now fallen below the warning threshold but in both cases, a flood alert, meaning flooding is possible, remains in place.

An Environment minister set to visit the scene of Ironbridge flooding today has pulled out because she is feeling unwell, the department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) has confirmed.

It's not yet clear who will go instead of Rebecca Pow, but a replacement representative is due.

Chris Bainger from the Environment Agency said: "Rebecca Pow has given us a message saying she's fallen ill, so that's a bit disappointing, as we were ready to meet her here."

The Free Bridge across the River Severn at Ironbridge has reopened this morning, along with Waterloo Street, meaning it's now possible to get between Ironbridge and Broseley again.

Telford and Wrekin Council said it was hoping to reopen other roads today, as river levels fall.

Image source, Telford and Wrekin Council

The Environment Agency said "the sheer weight" of the Severn pressing against barriers in Ironbridge caused the defences to buckle on Wednesday with "unprecedented" movement.

Spokesman Nick Green said it was coupled with the fact the barriers at the Wharfage - A-frame posts lined with sheets of metal and plastic, and weighed down with sandbags - were a type not fixed to the ground.

An additional factor, he said, was that the defences followed the line of a hill, meaning some could not be placed completely flat, affecting the strength of metal slats which work best when perfectly horizontal.

Water got underneath the barriers on Wednesday, causing flooding on the other side, leading to properties being evacuated by police.

An Environment Agency statement on Thursday said: "The unprecedented water levels have overwhelmed sections of the barrier causing damage in places."

Image source, Shaun Davies

Mr Green said permanent barriers weren't feasible in Ironbridge, as a site of special historic and scientific significance.

Temporary barriers like the kind used in Ironbridge had, he said, been used all over the country for a decade and “saved thousands of houses”.

As you can see from this graph, river levels in Shrewsbury are on the way down and could drop below 3m by the end of the day.

Image source, Environment Agency

That, though, doesn't necessarily mean an end to flooding risks, and things may yet take a little longer to return to normal because of all the mud and debris that has been left behind.

Elsewhere in Shrewsbury, The University Centre will be closed for the rest of the week, and the play area in the Quarry park (pictured below) will be out of action until it can be jet-washed and disinfected.

Image source, Shrewsbury Town Council

Bus passengers in Worcester will face "severe delays" today due to flooding, operator First Worcester says., external

Crowngate bus station and New Road, it says, will remain shut and several services have been disrupted as a result.

"Heartbreaking" and "shocking" - how many of you have reacted to the story of Siobhan Connor who has seen her house flooded twice in eight days in Shrewsbury.

She lives with her father and son in The Quarry and says it will take months for things to get back to normal.

Dozens of people posted their reactions on the BBC Midland Facebook page:

Hilary Thorne wrote, external: "To see someone's home ruined like this is heartbreaking. I hope you can recover and restore your home as soon as possible."

Gill Chinn posted, external: "This is shocking, hope you can get sorted soon. Just hope it all works out well for you."

Rosalie Daniells added, external: "Devastating is an understatement - wow, that's crazy stuff. I really feel for all the people this has affected, so sorry."

Four main roads into Shrewsbury should be clear of floodwater and debris by early afternoon, Shropshire Council says.

Workmen have started with Smithfield and the bus station and then plan to move on to Chester Street, Cross Street, Coton Hill and Coleham.

The council is also preparing to clean up in Bridgnorth, where the river level has now fallen below 5m.

The Environment Agency says it's unclear how much water will come down the River Severn in the coming days as more rain is forecast.

It's hoping to get behind the flood barrier in Ironbridge - where water leaked through on Wednesday - to carry out inspections and repairs, but that depends on the river dropping to a safe level.

Nick Green from the Environment Agency said he expected rain to fall further upstream in Wales, but added: "It's a little bit sketchy about where and how much."

Image source, PA Media

Up to 30 bridges in Shropshire will need inspections for flood damage, a local authority says.

Tim Smith from Shropshire Council said he was confident Coalport Bridge was "ok and able to take traffic at the moment", but a three tonne-limit had been placed on vehicles as a precaution.

Mr Smith said there was "a bit of visual damage to brickwork on Coalport Bridge", adding hourly checks would be carried out until river levels fell enough for a thorough inspection to be carried out.

Flood barriers in Ironbridge have been forced back further overnight by the swollen River Severn, the Environment Agency says.

Image source, PA Media

Yesterday, homes had to be evacuated in the area after one barrier buckled and water leaked underneath.

Marc Lidderth from the agency said: "Throughout yesterday and overnight, the barriers have obviously shifted some more.

"The barriers are still intact even though they have been compromised somewhat. They're holding back the vast majority of the floodwater."

Three schools in Worcestershire are closed today because of road flooding.

Image source, Sky High

Both Hanley Castle High School, external and Upton Primary say they've taken the decision to ensure community safety.

Christopher Whitehead College in Worcester is also closed with headteacher Neil Morris saying it's "just for safety and just with the river peaking".

He added: "I've been head there 17 years and I've never known anything like this."

Drivers are being reassured a historical bridge over the River Severn in the Ironbridge Gorge is safe to use, despite the high level of the River Severn:

Here's how our local newspapers are covering the flooding:

• The Shropshire Star says people in Ironbridge are counting the cost after river levels reached their highest levels for 20 years, external
• But in Shrewsbury, Shropshire Live's reporting on water levels slowly dropping in the town, external
• The Worcester News says roads and bridges remain shut in the city, external

Council staff working in Ironbridge have been abused by motorists over road closures.

Image source, PA Media

Telford and Wrekin Council said, external it's had several reports of it happening and urged motorists to be respectful.

The authority said several roads remain closed and are impassable but it has this morning opened Waterloo Street, allowing access to Broseley., external

There's good news for drivers in Shrewsbury, English Bridge has reopened to traffic.

The crossing was closed earlier this week as the level of the River Severn rose.

Drivers are ignoring road closure signs on flooded roads causing emergency services to divert resources to help them when they get stuck.

Image source, Telford and Wrekin Council

In Bewdley, fire crews said, external they had to rescue two people last night who had driven past a closure sign at Switchback.

In Ironbridge, West Mercia Police said, external they stopped a man who was trying to drive into floodwater in a 4x4.

Ironbridge residents said better defences are needed after homes and businesses flooded.

A severe "danger to life" flood warning still covers the area, external and residents had to be evacuated as an emergency measure yesterday when a flood barrier buckled and water seeped underneath.

Image source, PA Media

Local businessman Richard Eley said the flooding has been "devastating for businesses".

“We’re still not out of the water yet, Ironbridge is always flooded and most residents are used to it, but lessons need to be learned," he said.

Image source, Getty Images

David Nolan, who lives on the Wharfage and was asked to leave his home yesterday, said better flood defences are needed.

"There are ways and means of solving it so I'm not ever concerned that there won't be a solution. There will be a solution. But it's never great when you've got your house to clean out," he said.

Buses are still being disrupted in Shrewsbury after severe flooding hit the town earlier.

Arriva Midlands West said , externalservices were still not able to get to a number of stops including the bus station.

Image source, Charlie

A severe flood warning has been downgraded but the Environment Agency said river levels are still expected to be high into the weekend., external