Ironbridge Gorge Flooding Update 27 Feb
River levels still high but are starting to drop in Ironbridge
River levels have dropped overnight to around 6.37 however there is still a lot of disruption which is likely to continue for a while.
An emergency evacuation took place down The Wharfage yesterday afternoon (26 February) as the temporary flood barriers became overwhelmed and started to move.
The Environment Agency and partners have worked hard to manage the situation and the majority of homes and businesses were safely evacuated with residents and owners seeking local free hotel accommodation provided by Telford & Wrekin Council or staying with friends and family.
Council leader Shaun Davies lobbied Secretary of State for Environment Rt Hon George Eustice MP for improved flood defences in the Gorge when the minister visited this afternoon.
Some roads in the gorge are now starting to reopen but a lot of road closures remain in place:
The following roads are closed and are impassable.
🚫 The Wharfage
🚫 Buildwas Road
🚫 Ferry Road
🚫 Coalford
🚫 Dale End
🚫 The Lloyds
*** The FREE BRIDGE is now open but access from Telford is via Waterloo Street as The Lloyds remains closed at the moment ***
The following roads are accessible for residents through managed entrances:
* Tontine Hill / High Street
* Paradise
* Ironbridge Road
* Church Hill
* Lincoln Hill
* Station Road
*Traffic over Coalport Bridge (Woodbridge) is being manually controlled because of its vehicle weight limit. Please avoid this route if possible. If you do need to use it, please expect long delays and be patient.
Households due a recycling and food recycling collection in the Ironbridge area tomorrow (Thursday 27 February) are asked to present their containers where safe to do so. If crews can collect they will. If unable to collect, they will return as soon as it is safe to do so, so please leave containers out. If garden waste is uncollected, please take it back in and put it out on your next scheduled collection day.
Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Primary school will remain closed for the rest of the week.
If you have a query or concern about flooding, our contact centre 01952 384000. Lines will be open until 9pm tonight. In the event of an emergency, call 999.
For the latest flooding information and advice
We will provide further updates as and when have them. BBC Radio Shropshire will also be keeping people updated so please listen in.
Further advice is also available on the National Flood Forum and here http://www.knowyourfloodrisk.co.uk/
