Barriers taken down as Bewdley flood risk eases
Riverside barriers were today being scaled down in Bewdley after the threat of flooding lessened to the relief of residents.
Traders have welcomed the move as workers from the Environment Agency made preparations to reopen the town's bridge.
Days of heavy rain and storms had forced barriers to be placed at their highest position for 14 years due to concerns about flooding.
But the barriers held firm in the town to the relief of residents and officials speaking today as work to scale down the operation began.
Workers from the Environment Agency started removing some of the flood defences in Beales Corner this morning.
Metal beams were loaded on to a forklift truck with the aim to clear the road in preparation for the reopening of Bewdley Bridge at noon.
But officials said some of the defences in Severnside North and South would remain in place as a precaution as more rain is forecast for tomorrow. Teressa Raybould, who works at Teddy Grays sweet shop at the corner of Severnside South, said: "Having the bridge reopen will make the town more accessible and it is a relief the water levels are now going down."
The 22-year-old said the road closures and water levels had not affected trade with visitors coming in to get a closer look at the swollen waters.
Margaret Betteridge, who works at Cheap and Cheerful in Load Street, said: "Having the bridge and road closed has made it more difficult for some people to get into the town and traffic on the bypass has been very busy. The defences have been absolutely marvellous. Without them I think the whole town would have to have been closed off."
A date for when the barriers will be removed completely has not yet been set with assessments ongoing.
Environment Agency spokesman Laura Baker said: "The barriers at Beales Corner are being taken down so the road can reopen. Barriers at Severnside North and Severnside South will remain in place, however, some of the top level beams have been removed."
In Stourport flood water was still causing some problems today. Standing water still covered a large section of the Beatric Walk car park by the funfair.
