Relief as flood defences at Ironbridge are not overtopped
Flood water from the River Severn peaked between 10pm and 2am last night (Tuesday 22 February) at 6.65m, bringing relief after fears it would overtop temporary flood defences at the Wharfage in Ironbridge.
A severe flood warning was put in force by the Environment Agency on Monday following Storms Eunice and Franklin and a period of heavy rain which saw predicted water levels reaching worryingly high levels.
Telford & Wrekin Council, the Environment Agency and the emergency services closely monitored the river level through the night, concerned that it was likely to exceed 6.8 metres – the maximum level that the barriers could contain.
Despite not breaching the defences, the area is still severely affected by flood waters and Environment Agency pumps are on site to reduce the impact as far as possible.
Local residents have been supported to evacuate affected properties and people are being asked to stay away from the area.
Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Shaun Davies (Labour) said:
“We are working around the clock with our partners, the Environment Agency and the emergency services to support residents and businesses affected by the flooding.
“The river gauge at the Wharfage was measuring 6.62m as of 6.30am this morning and the flood waters are high but now slowly retreating.
“This is one of the closest calls we’ve seen with water coming within a few centimetres of topping over the barriers in Ironbridge. Roads and homes have been flooded on both sides of the river too. We are urging people to stay away from the area today.
“My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected as this will be the third time in less than two years that some people have suffered flood damage.
“We’ve been lucky at the Wharfage this time but we don’t want to be praying for a fourth time lucky if, or more likely when, this situation is repeated. Let’s not forget either that the barriers do not currently protect all at risk properties along the river, and many have no defences at all.
“We now need government to provide further grants for properties affected, and a better plan for the River Severn here in Ironbridge and as a whole. It looks like flooding is becoming the new normal so we need to be more protected.
“As a council, we are on our residents’ side and we will make sure that we are with them every step of the way as the situation develops.”
Local residents impacted by flooding have been supported by the council to evacuate to a nearby hotel.
Flooding has also impacted roads and homes in Coalbrookdale, Jackfield and Dale End, where a mixture of sandbags, pumps and temporary concrete walls are being used to reduce the impact of the floodwater.
Over 3500 sandbags have been delivered by the council across the borough and additional supplies are also available for collection and drop off.
The latest flooding updates, sandbag availability and road closures for Telford and Wrekin can be found on the council’s Newsroom
