Army drafted in to help flood-hit Midlands

As this picture shows parts of Stourport remain under water with the skatepark and play areas still off limits to visitors.

It comes as the Prime Minister announced a £10 million package of support for flood-hit businesses.

David Cameron was expected to meet residents, volunteers and troops in parts of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire today. He said: "I am hopeful that the work to strengthen long-term flood defences, and the emergency measures which have been put in place over recent days and weeks will mean that we can minimise the number of homes and businesses affected by the latest high water levels."

Visitors turned out to Bewdley and Stourport in their droves yesterday with improved weather allowing many their first glimpse of the River Severn since storms began.

Water continued to surge down river at Stourport with some riverside areas in the town centre still badly affected.

Only a third of the car park next to the Treasure Island funfair off Beatrice Walk was accessible as deep flood water enveloped the land.

Much of the playground and skatepark on the opposite side of the Grade II listed town bridge were also submerged under water.

Mother-of-two Joanna Noble, aged 35, was among those visiting Stourport yesterday to see the River Severn lapping over its banks.

"The waters are down a bit but it still looks fairly terrible," said Mrs Noble, of Kingswinford. It is a surprise when you see it up in the cars parks and the playground."

Jonas Rose, aged 45, came with his partner Sara Dominic, 30, from Kidderminster Road, Hagley, and said he was shocked Stourport was still suffering. "We had just come for a drive out and I'd not heard that Stourport had had any flooding so I was surprised to see the water up this far," he said.

Lickhill Manor Caravan Park along the River Severn at Stourport had to be evacuated last Sunday due to concerns over rising waters at 16.5ft high for the few people staying on site. Waters had not affected static caravans on the site and people were back inside within a few hours. Some touring pitches for towing caravans remained underwater yesterday.

Manager Lorraine Barber said: "It is a lot better than it was. It has been deep actually but it has gone down an awful lot. For a week we have had water on the site. But it has not damaged any of the static caravans."

Flood warnings were lifted for Bewdley yesterday as a multi-million pound flood protection project including barriers and pumps worked to keep fast flowing water back.

Officials confirmed that the Army would be deployed in the town during the course of the day as they continued in their work to help with flood relief. Around 300 troops are working across Worcestershire.

River levels have rained high due to days of heavy rainfall. In Bridgnorth a caravan site remains under water while pitches on Severn Valley Caravan Park, in Kidderminster Road, Quatford, have also been flooded.

A flood warning remained in place today on the River Severn at Bridgnorth with the water levels at almost 12ft.

Environment Agency officials warned these would peak at 15ft during the day.

At Trescott, half of the A454 Bridgnorth Road has been underwater in one lane near a ford due to flood water.