More flooding expected as river levels rise

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Flooding at Crew Green
Image caption,

The River Severn has reached a peak north of Shrewsbury in areas such as Crew Green

People in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being warned to expect more flooding in coming days, as water makes its way down from Wales.

Nick Green from the Environment Agency said river levels would rise slowly on Sunday and added: "Don't expect a sudden drop-off and there is more in the forecast next week."

Flood barriers have gone up in Shrewsbury, Ironbridge and Bewdley.

A number of roads and car parks have been closed.

The Environment Agency said the peak on the River Severn would be around Shrewsbury on Sunday and would work its way downriver from there over the coming hours.

Mary Long-Dhonau, a Worcestershire flood protection campaigner who supports victims, advised people at risk to make a plan and be prepared to move valued belongings.

She said: "I think flooding is going to get worse, right now we're seeing climate change in action."

Mrs Long-Dhonau said more money needed to be spent on flood defences and flood resilience, but people could do more to protect their own homes in case those measures failed.

Image caption,

Flood barriers went up in Bewdley on Saturday

Jon Fraser, from Worcestershire County Council, said Friday's flooding was largely flash flooding from the heavy rain, and he now expected some affected areas to improve.

But towns along the River Severn could expect water levels to rise.

He said he expected a number of days of disruption as that water worked its way through the county.

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