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Flood-hit Bewdley given 'tremendous' support

Reuters A view of the River Severn at BewdleyReuters
Almost the whole length of the River Severn remains at flood warning level

People in one flood-hit area of Worcestershire have said they have been overwhelmed by the "tremendous" help from the community.

Paul Smith's house in Bewdley was flooded by about 12in (30cm) of water after flood defences were breached.

Dave Throup from the Environment Agency (EA) said the River Severn peaked at about 04:00 GMT at 4.6m.

"We're still at high flood warnings, but the barriers are coping," he said.

Mr Smith said: "The help from the community has been tremendous, overwhelming.

"I've shed a few tears with the generosity people have shown us.

"What people don't realise is it affects your thoughts, you can't go out to work while your house is under threat."

One pub gave them a meal and drinks for a family birthday.

Paul Smith
Paul Smith's home was flooded after defence barriers failed

Meanwhile Emma Crouch who runs Csons at the Green Café on the banks of the River Teme in Ludlow, Shropshire, said she managed to reopen it following the "sheer hard work of friends, colleagues and family".

Latest updates on flooding in the West Midlands

Csons at the Green Café
Csons at the Green Café lost out on business over half-term in February

About 2ft of water entered the premises and destroyed a lot of equipment, she said.

Michelle Edwards has set a flood relief page on social media so people could offer services or help.

"I've had people offering cleaning, labour, electrical work, anything to get these people back in their houses," she said.

And grants of up to £5,000 are being offered by Sport England's Community Asset Fund to help repair damage to pitches and other facilities .

Reuters Environment Agency workers monitor the swollen River Severn in BewdleyReuters
Environment Agency workers monitor the swollen River Severn in Bewdley

Almost the whole length of the River Severn in England remains at flood warning level.

Some park-and-ride services will be free in Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Bridgnorth to encourage people to support businesses following the flooding.

The Met Office revealed on Sunday rainfall data indicated February was the wettest on record in the UK, with on average 202.1mm of rain falling, beating February 1990 when 193.4mm was recorded.

Bewdley Bridge remains closed to vehicles but is open to cyclists and pedestrians.

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