A flood warning has been issued to residents in Bewdley following rising river levels. 

The Environment Agency has warned residents to expect flooding to properties and farmland as a result of the heavy rainfall over the next few hours. 

The River Severn is expected to peak in the town tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, January 2) with the predicted peak set to reach between four and 4.3 metres. 

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Further rainfall is forecast over the next few days. We expect river levels to remain high.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are liaising with emergency services and Local Authorities.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

The agency added that the barriers on Beales Corner would not be deployed as previously communicated. 

This is due to the ongoing work to install permanent defences through the Flood Risk Management Scheme. 

The Environment Agency said they will issue an update by 9am tomorrow (Tuesday, January 2) or as the situation changes.