Ironbridge flood barriers removed and roads reopening today 'to allow the town to return to normal'

Barriers were installed on Monday due to a flood threat to the area after Storm Bert brought heavy downpours to the UK.

Roads in the Telford town and near the world famous Iron Bridge were subsequently shut.

However, with river levels falling, Environment Agency crews removed the flood defences today, and said the agency will continue to work with the community to prepare for flooding.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "Ironbridge has a long history of flooding, and we are closely monitoring the river levels there. We will be taking down the barriers and reopening the road today to allow the town to return to normal. 

"We will continue to work with the community to help them to prepare for future flooding, to become resilient as a community."

However, despite the flood barriers' removal, a flood warning remains in place for the River Severn at Ironbridge and Jackfield.

An update on the Government website at 10.02am today said: "River levels are high but steady at the Buildwas river gauge following heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland is expected today (Wednesday). We expect flooding to affect properties on Ferry Road.

"No further significant rainfall is expected over the next 48 hours but showers are possible. We expect river levels to remain high for several days."

Telford MP, Shaun Davies spoke in Parliament this week calling the town's frequent need for flood defences a 'hammer blow' for businesses and residents.

The Labour MP also invited the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed to the Ironbridge Gorge to see the effects that flooding has on the region.

Further information on the flood warning can be found here.