Shropshire ready for weekend washout

Rain was set to sweep back into the county overnight and with the River Severn at Ironbridge set to peak on Monday officials were taking no chances. The flood barriers at Ironbridge had not been put up by this afternoon but gulleys at the Wharfage were sealed up.

And police banned on-street parking in the area 'as a precaution'.

Council officials were also considering closing Isombridge Lane between Isombridge and Roddington over fears floodwaters running off fields could swamp it.

Barriers went up overnight in Shrewsbury and this afternoon a flood warning was issued for the River Severn at Frankwell, where the car park was closed.

Firefighters had to winch a car out of the River Severn in the town early this morning as floodwaters rose.

At lunchtime 72 flood warnings and 243 flood alerts were in place across the UK.

Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman Russell Griffin said today: "The flood barriers at Ironbridge are not up yet but the ground has been laid today in case they need to be.

"Due to rising water levels in the River Severn and after consulting the Environment Agency, Telford & Wrekin Council has taken the decision to implement the first stage of the Flood Barrier Action Plan.

"As a result, police cones are being put along the length of The Wharfage in the Ironbridge and bungs installed in gulleys.

"This is purely precautionary and The Wharfage will remain open. There will be no on-street parking along The Wharfage while there remains a threat of flooding."

Mr Griffin said water levels in the River Severn were expected to peak on Monday.

He added: "We are also currently assessing the condition of Isombridge Lane, from Isombridge to Roddington. Excessive amounts of floodwater from the fields may necessitate the need to close the road."