THE Environment Agency has announced it will shut the New Street flood gate in Upton at about 5pm today as water levels begin to rise.

Heavy rainfall has swept across parts of the country over the weekend but Worcestershire appears to have got off relatively lightly despite rain failing at regular intervals.

Dave Throup, the Environment Agency's manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, tweeted there had been 5mm-10mm rainfall on the lowlands and up to 20mm in Wye and Severn headwaters this morning.

He added: "Rivers rising again but no significant problems expected."