Praise for Telford staff who fought the flooding

Workers from Telford & Wrekin Council and the Environment Agency have started to deal with the damage caused by the deluge.

And councillors have sent out a message of thanks to all the agencies which helped to deal with the flooding and the gales last week, particularly in Ironbridge which was one of the most affected areas.

Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for public health and public protection at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "It has been a busy few weeks for many of our workers and everyone else involved in reducing the flooding risk in the Gorge.

"Communication with the public has been maintained every step of the way and I would personally like to give my thanks to everyone out there who has been so supportive and understanding at what has been a very tough time for many local people and businesses.

"We have received some really positive comments from people and it has showed what a supportive community we have, especially during these times of adversity.

"Particular thanks must also go to every single person who has worked on all aspects of the flooding; from the council, Environment Agency, other partners and householders and businesses."

Councillor Overton added: "I would also like to remind people that despite the flooding most businesses remained opened throughout, so get down to Ironbridge and support those businesses which I'm sure have had a difficult few weeks."

The continued heavy rain led to some significant disruption within the Ironbridge Gorge, but flood damage in the gorge has been kept to a minimum despite the water levels being at their highest since 2000.

The council has said it could be many weeks before water levels begin to settle.

Dafydd Evan, environment agency area manager, added: "

We hugely appreciate the support of the community and our partners, and we're glad that we've been able to keep the town as dry as possible during this extraordinary period of wet weather."