A CLEAN up operation is being organised after waters receded on the River Severn to reveal a build-up mud and sludgy debris next to Worcester bridge.

Rising waters led to the river bursting its banks and peaking at over four metres over the weekend, and the flooding led Severn Trent Water to install pumps to accompany the barriers.

As the river levels have been falling, attention has now shifted to dealing with the aftermath and the problem of detritus, which includes vegetation, tree branches and litter, floating around next to the bridge.

The fear now is this blockage will stop the river flow, leading to an increased flood risk to the surrounding area and potential damage to the Grade II listed stone bridge that carries traffic on the A44 through the city.

A spokesman from the River and Canal Trust said they had been working with partners Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council and the Environment Agency, to resolve the issue, waiting for the water level to drop to a height where it is safe to remove the blockage.

Nick Worthington, waterway manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Unfortunately this is a fairly normal occurrence, and Worcester’s historic bridge has always snagged debris washed down the River Severn.

"The river levels are still too high for us to get in safely and remove it, but as soon as they recede we’ll start our clear-up operation.”

• Motorists are also being warned of possible debris left over on New Street, Upton upon Severn.

During the heavy rain the flood gate was closed to hold back flood water, but the gate reopened on Monday and the road closed sign was removed.