WATER levels have peaked across Worcestershire and flood levels are gradually falling after heavy rain over recent days.
Hylton Road was closed on Saturday (June 15) morning to allow the flood pumps to be installed and the road was expected to be closed on Wednesday evening (June 19) for them to be removed.
With lots of water on the county’s road network, the County Council’s five gulley emptiers have been in constant operation since last Thursday dealing with known floodspots and responding to issues reported by members of the public.
Worcestershire CCC were forced to move their County Championship fixture with Sussex to Kidderminster after their New Road ground fell victim to the predicted flooding from the River Avon while Worcester racecourse has also been affected.
Despite the flooding, Environment Agency chiefs have hit out at a report in the Daily Mail which suggested Worcester had been ‘cut off’ under up to 14ft of rainwater.
Agency bosses stressed river levels would need to half a metre higher for the city’s main roads to be affected and the depth of water would only reach 14ft in the middle of the river itself.
Alongside this, highways teams have been deployed around the county to assist with drainage issues and deal with 20 fallen trees.
Cabinet member for the Environment Coun Tony Miller said: “Our Flood Risk Management and Highways teams have done a brilliant job addressing issues that have arisen as a result of the severe weather we’ve been experiencing.
“Flood alleviation has been one of the County Council’s top priorities for several years now with recently completed schemes in Upton-Upon-Severn, Badsey Brook and New Road in Worcester showcasing our commitment to reducing the likelihood and severity of flooding across the county.”
“The significant progression we’ve made in this area, with the help of our partners, has meant the risk of flooding has been reduced for hundreds of homes, businesses and important infrastructure,” he added.
Visit www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings for more information during flooding.
