Shropshire still on flood alert

Homes and businesses along Shropshire's swollen River Severn were today bracing themselves as fears were growing over the rising water levels.

Parts of Shrewsbury were under water this morning after levels peaked overnight in the town at almost 14.5ft.

But downstream in Ironbridge residents living close to the river were preparing for the possibility of water entering their homes as levels continued to rise.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings along the Severn from Shrewsbury to Highley.

The waters were expected to peak at up to almost 18ft in Buildwas this morning.

The level at Bridgnorth was more than 12ft early today and expected to peak at up to 15ft this afternoon.

Roger Hotchkiss, landlord of The Brewery Inn in Coalport, said the river had burst its banks and was running 10ft higher than normal and threatening to swamp his pub.

He said: "The water was this morning only a couple of feet from coming over a wall which separates us from the river.

"I've been here 31 years and it only once managed to clamber over the top. I don't think I've ever seen the waters rise so quickly."

Gorge Parish Council clerk Jayne Madeley said businesses in Ironbridge were battling to carry on.

In Shrewsbury, the town's showground, seven roads and the main Frankwell, Riverside and St Julian's Friars car parks were all closed today.

Meanwhile, a big clear-up operation was under way after the worst floods in the Shropshire border area for more than 40 years.

An Environment Agency spokesman said there was no longer a flood warning on the River Vyrnwy but one was in force on the Severn.