Workmen test Shrewsbury flood defences
A road in Shrewsbury was sealed off as a River Severn flood defence system was trialled in a late night exercise.
The large flood defence barrier was erected at Coleham Head, in Shrewsbury.
Up to a dozen workers were part of a trial last night to make sure everything is in full working order ready for the winter weather.
It was carried out by Shropshire Council's highways team, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water. They built the flood defence wall across the road and deployed pumping equipment.
To enable it to be carried out safely, the road was closed from 10pm for about four hours. A diversion scheme was in place for motorists and staff were on duty to aid drivers and pedestrians.
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: "The barriers help protect a number of homes and businesses in this area and are vital to keep the town moving when the river level rises."
Shropshire councillor Mansel Williams, for the Belle Vue ward, said: "The testing and trialling of such a flood defence system is an absolute necessity, to ensure that if a future flood occurs all the teams from Shropshire Council, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water are fully co-ordinated, that the barriers are correctly embedded, and the pumps etc. are properly laid at all strategic locations.
"Such preparatory training can only be achieved by a trial such as this."
