THE river levels in Bewdley have reached their ‘highest in three years’ following a spate of flooding.

Persistent rainfall from Wales caused flooding on low lying land and roads adjacent to the River Severn, and levels are expected to peak in Bewdley this afternoon (Tuesday March 19).

Flood barriers were deployed at Severnside and Beales Corner on Sunday morning after the Environment Agency enforced a flood alert for the region.

Dave Throup, Environment Agency manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: "The River Severn is just about peaking and will probably peak this afternoon with about 5cm or so to go."

"It's the highest level we have seen for about three years here, but nothing exceptional or out of the ordinary.

The Environment Agency have flood defences from Shrewsbury and Ironbridge and down to Bewdley.

Dave added: “We are protecting probably about 500 homes and businesses at the moment.

It is hoped that the defences in Bewdley will be taken down by the Environment Agency some time tomorrow and the following day.