Flood plan 'helped keep Shrewsbury trading'

A flood action plan helped to ensure Shrewsbury remained open during this year's floods when water levels in the town peaked at almost 14.5ft, officials said today.

Shropshire Council, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water worked successfully together to help reduce the effect of the recent floods in the town, and to ensure that traders could continue to operate.

Working to the agreed Joint Flood Action Plan for the town, the three organisations have various co-ordinated roles to ensure that damage, danger and disruption are minimised when a flood occurs, with public safety being paramount.

The Action Plan details what needs to happen, and who should do it, when the River Severn reaches different levels at the gauge on the Welsh Bridge.

Actions carried out by the three organisations under the plan include closing car parks, putting up flood defence barriers, diverting traffic, liaison with bus companies regarding route alteration and the status of the main bus station, pumping of surface water sewers, and keeping the public informed.

The recovery operation following the receding of floodwaters involves 24-hour monitoring to ensure that roads can be re-opened as quickly as possible.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for transport and IT, said: "Ensuring that Shrewsbury stayed open for business during the recent floods was a top priority for the council and our partners, and I'm pleased that all three organisations worked so hard, and so well, to achieve this."

Flood warnings were issued earlier this month when river levels rose in parts of Shropshire including the River Severn in Shrewsbury.

The speed at which the water rose caught some by surprise with cars submerged in water in St Julian's Friars car park.

Parts of the town were under water and temporary flood barriers were put up at Frankwell. Several town centre car parks were shut and businesses were also affected including the Salopian Bar in Smithfield Road which had to bring in pumping gear to remove flood water from its cellars.

Work to repair Ludford Bridge in Ludlow started yesterday.

By Russell Roberts