Flood barriers go up after Storm Barra
Flood barriers along the Wharfage will be deployed following the decision made today by the Environment Agency as a precautionary measure.
Rain from Storm Barra is making its way downstream, causing river levels in the River Severn to rise.
Areas likely to be affected include the Wharfage and Jackfield.
Further rainfall forecast over the next 48 hours means levels are expected to remain high over the weekend.
The multi-agency response involves teams from the Environment Agency (EA) as the lead partner supported by Telford and Wrekin Council its contractor Balfour Beatty, Severn Trent Water.
Councillor David Wright, Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport and Infrastructure said: “This deployment is very much about being prepared and teams have been at the Wharfage since around 7am deploying gully bungs and fencing off the wharfage ready for the EA to erect the barriers.
“We’re working closely with the EA to ensure residents and businesses are kept up to date and while the Wharfage will be closed to traffic, businesses can still be accessed as normal.
We are also monitoring other areas of The Gorge that may be impacted by the rising river levels and will continue to support residents and businesses in those areas too.”
Diversion routes are in place and details are available here. Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded, avoid contact with flood water and driving in flood water.
For the latest updates including peak flood timings, check for flooding in your area here and for further advice and guidance, visit the National Flood Forum here.
