Shropshire floods: River levels fall at Ironbridge

Water levels fell by 30cm overnight in Ironbridge

River levels in Ironbridge are slowly starting to fall but are likely to rise again, the Environment Agency has said.

On Tuesday, residents in parts of the Shropshire town, where parts of the outskirts have been flooded, were advised to "consider moving to the first floor" or leaving their homes.

A spokesman for Telford and Wrekin Council said that advice had now been removed.

The agency said the River Severn had fallen by about 30cm overnight.

"We must remain vigilant, we know about the weather that is coming in and we will see the levels rise once again," agency spokesman Chris Bainger said.

More rain was expected on Wednesday and "serious weather" was expected to arrive on Friday, he added.

The council said Dale Road and Lloyds Head in Jackfield had both reopened, but The Wharfage and Buildwas Road remained closed.

Church Hill was also closed on Wednesday due to "safety issues with a wall", it said.

Pedestrian access was being "restricted to what is necessary" behind the flood barriers, a council spokesman added.

Dale End Park on the outskirts of Ironbridge is still under water

Anyone passing behind the barriers still had to wear life jackets as a "precautionary measure" because of the water levels, council spokesman Steve Hollins said.

Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge Primary School would reopen on Thursday, the council said.

Some tourist attractions also continue to be affected by the flooding. Ironbridge's Museum of the Gorge is likely to remain closed until Saturday, while the Coalport China Museum is only partially open after its workshop flooded.

Power cuts

The River Severn at Bridgnorth was expected to peak on Wednesday morning, with further peaks likely later in the week, the Environment Agency said. A flood warning remains in place between Fort Pendlestone and Severn Hall.

In Shrewsbury, residents said water levels appeared to be dropping, but that they were prepared for them to rise again in the coming days.

Severndale School in the town had to be evacuated after part of the roof came away in strong winds. It will remain closed until after half term.

Gales and heavy rain have caused power cuts and transport disruption across Shropshire.

About 4,000 homes in the county are without power, and Shropshire Council said 22 roads were closed due to flooding and fallen trees.

Delays have also been reported on the rail network between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton because of trees on the line.