WORCESTERSHIRE is on flood alert - with protection barriers in Worcester and Upton-upon-Severn set to go up tonight following torrential downpours.

As water levels in the River Severn rapidly increase, the Environment Agency said it was putting up barriers as a "precaution" following heavy rainfall.

A spokeswoman said water levels in Worcester were expected to peak at 4m tomorrow, while levels in Upton were expected to reach 4.7m.

Last summer the group came under fierce criticism after failing to get the barriers to the city in time, resulting in devastation as homes along Hylton Road flooded.

This afternoon manhole covers in Lower Ferry, Callow End were "bursting" off because of the water pressure.

Councillor Tom Wells said: "There is a river running down this road. I am probably stood in two foot of water."

He said the water threatened to flood about 12 homes and caused traffic chaos, reducing the main road through the village to one lane.

He said sandbags were being delivered to worried residents, but was critical of Worcestershire County Council's Highways Department for failing to improve the village's drainage system following last summer's devastating floods.

"I'm furious about this. Following the summer's floods I've sent letter after letter and had meeting after meeting and yet the county has done nothing about it," he said.

"This is not an act of God, it is the inadequate drainage system in the village."

The council said there was a backlog of work and is set to meet Coun Wells next week to discuss his concerns.

Emma Drinkwater, who lives in Doddenham, near Broadwas, said blocked drains had caused sewage to back up into her garage.

"It's just an absolute nightmare," she said.

Meanwhile drivers faced treacherous conditions caused by surface water and rain.

In Worcester Wyld's Lane/Midland Road were only just passable with care.

Torrential rain and heavy winds caused a large tree to fall in Beech Avenue in Perdiswell, smashing a car and completely blocking the road. Resident Neil Humphries said: "It's going from a garden on one side of the street, completely across the road, and into a garden on the other side. No-one can get in or out of Beech Avenue."

Passengers using rail services between Worcester and Paddington faced long delays as some trains came to a halt where water came over the rails.

A spokesman for First Great Western said: "There were six points on the track where the water was over the rails. Trains are in the wrong places and there are severe delays.

"The Cotswold Line services did get moving but the line speed limit is about 5mph . Services are subject to severe delays but they will run. People will get home but it will take hours."

He said the company would be monitoring the situation overnight but passengers should expect continuing delays to services over the weekend.

For information about services log onto www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

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