Fears of flooding were growing across the Midlands today as river levels continued to rise while flood barriers were being erected to protect towns at risk.

Environment Agency workers were out last night to erect new barriers in Bewdley and increase the height of other defences which had already gone up. The town’s historic bridge has been sealed off because of risks posed by rising water levels and traffic has been diverted around the Bewdley bypass.

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The Environment Agency is continuing to monitor river levels across Worcestershire which remains on a Floodwatch alert.

Workers decided to increase defences on Southernside North and South to their full height late yesterday afternoon as the river was expected to break its banks.

The decision was taken as the river is expected to rise to more than 12 feet – which is above the level of road at Beales Corner on the opposite side of the river, where temporary barriers have been installed.

Flood warnings remained in place for sections of the river running through Shrewsbury, Ironbridge, Bridgnorth and Highley.