Oswestry flooding fears as water bursts from manhole - and flooded lines halt trains

Flooding on the track track between Gobowen and Chirk also led to delays in the service on the Shrewsbury to Chester rail line. These were cleared this afternoon.

Problems began this morning in Oswestry, when passers-by notices water flowing from drainage pipes at the bottom of a wall at the junction of Willow Street and Oakhurst Road.

Within a hour the flood water was pouring like a waterfall over the top of the retaining wall, on which the town's fire station is built.

Water was also erupting from a manhole cover in the grounds of the fire station.

Worried residents contacted Severn Trent only to be told they may have to wait several hours before engineers could get to the problems.

Photographer and artist, Graham Mitchell, who lives in nearby Oak Street said the water was pouring down the roads and pavements.

"I am moving my studio equipment and all my work upstairs," he said.

"I am really fearful that the water is going to get into homes and businesses particularly those with cellars."

"There is obviously a major problem with the water in this part of the town. But when I rang Severn Trent I was told that there could be an eight-to-10-hour response time."

Adrian Bowen from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said it seemed a storm drain had become blocked, leading to the problem. He said the fire service was awaiting engineers from Severn Trent.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “We’re aware of a problem with a manhole overflowing in Oswestry today.

“We’re really sorry for the disruption this has caused and we’re working to get a team out into the area to see if there are any blockages in the sewer network and to get things cleared up. With lots of rain expected across the region today we’re prioritising calls to make sure we can protect homes and businesses from flooding.”

Heavy rain yesterday and already sodden fields from the recent snow has led to several flood alerts for Shropshire.

This afternoon Arriva Trains Wales tweeted:

Later on National Rail announced:

Meanehiler, the River Severn water levels were rising at Crew Green, Welshbridge, Buildwas, Montford and Bridgnorth.

However, Dave Throup from the Environment Agency said it is not expected to flood but warnings have been issued.

He said: "There are no plans at the moment to put the flood barriers up in Shropshire. The levels are quite high further up the river but things could change. We've not has as much rain over the Welsh mountains."