Rain at last as Shropshire river levels lowest in 30 years

River levels in Shropshire are at their lowest for more than 30 years – with this week's predicted rainfall likely to have little impact, the Environment Agency said today.

Up to 10mm of rain was due to fall over the next 24 hours, with more expected on Friday. Overall figures are likely to be 'average' for April.

But officials say it will do little to ease the situation, which has seen half as much water flowing through the county's rivers as in the 'great drought' of 1976.

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River flows on the Severn are the second lowest on record for this time of year, the lowest being 1993, and the river level reading at Bridgnorth was just 0.53m at 6am today, compared to its highest of 5.26m in 2008.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Even though we are expecting some rainfall what we need is a prolonged period to bring the river levels and flows back up.

"Shropshire is at high risk of entering drought this spring or summer.

"With regard to the River Severn in particular, the flows are currently the second lowest on record for March. "

Sir John Roberts, chairman of Shropshire Anglers Federation, said: "If we have a heavy downfall in Wales, it will give us a flush but what is predicted will make little difference as the ground is so dry. We really need a month of constant rain."