Chaos as region hit by storms

Gales up to 70mph and heavy rain battered the West Midlands today, causing transport chaos, the closure of parks and flood alerts.

The storms are set to last for the next few days.

Walsall Council closed seven parks, including the Arboretum, because of fears falling trees could pose a danger to the public

Flood barriers were raised in Bewdley and a 100ft tree crashed down in Kidderminster, crushing three cars and a fallen marquee blocked the railway line between Wolverhampton and Shre-wsbury.

Walsall Council said it was the first time in four years that seven parks had been closed due to high winds.

Roger Nicholls, Walsall Council's parks manager, said: "Gusts of wind had reached 70 mph and we were concerned about the chance of flying debris from some of the older trees."

A marquee blew onto the railway line at 6.30 this morning. The marquee blew on to the line from a pub in Codsall and trains were delayed for half an hour until it was cleared at 7am.

Express & Star weatherman John Warner said: "The overnight gales have been the worst so far this year with gusts of 50mph to 60mph.There are a fair few branches down."