News from our partners: Major incident in Ironbridge stood down yesterday

News from our partners West Mercia Police

Earlier this week a major incident was declared in the county as water levels along the River Severn continued to rise.

On Monday (21 February 2022) the Environment Agency also issued a Severe Flood Warning due to a risk the water levels could overtop the temporary flood defence barriers in Ironbridge.

On Tuesday night the water level in Ironbridge peaked at its highest estimated level with the water levels now starting to subside. Levels at Bridgnorth have also peaked and are starting to subside.

Yesterday afternoon Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin’s Tactical Co-Ordination Group (TCG), the multi-agency group who respond to local incidents, met to review the impact of the recent storms.

Chair of the TCG, Chief Inspector Mark Reilly, said:

“We have now seen the levels of the River Severn peak in all areas across the county and are starting to see the water levels subsiding, we have reviewed the risk and as a result have now stood down the major incident status.

“However, there has been significant flooding across the county which has had considerable consequence’s for local residents and businesses and we will continue to provide a multi-agency response, working together with partners to support our local communities.

“As the flooding subsides, it will take time to check roads for damage and for debris to be cleared and I would ask people to bear with us as we do this. Please do not drive through flood water and please observe road closures, they are in place for a reason because the road is impassable and you are risking your safety by driving through them.”

The declaration of a major incident remains in Worcestershire as levels of the River Severn in Bewdley and Worcester continue to rise and a Severe Flood Warning, meaning there is a danger to life, remains in place.

More information and advice on the latest flood warning and alerts can be found on the Government website: www.check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings