THESE pictures show the devastation that flooding has caused Upton's surrounding area as the town has all but become an island within the county.

Fields and other areas are completely submerged by flood water around the outskirts of it, but properties and businesses in the centre of the town have remained unscathed.

Hanley Road has been closed for most of the week, which is a major link between the riverside town and Malvern, but it is now open it has been confirmed.

Jon Fraser, head of Highways, said: "Hanley Road, Upton has just reopened using a convoy traffic management system."

On Wednesday, the flood gate at Dunns Lane was opened too.

After a relatively dry week, flood warnings were however removed on the River Severn at East Waterside by the Environment Agency.

The floodgate in New Street has also been closed for parts of the last week, while its £4.5 million flood defences along with Waterside's, were in operation to protect the town.

They certainly did their job too, with the town centre remaining open for business throughout the torrential weather and wide-spread flooding.

Access could be gained to Upton, from Malvern, through Welland while Hanley Road remained closed. Upton Bridge has remained open too.

However, Annette Keyworth of Upton Business Association says trade has been affected by the weather, because of the importance of Hanley Road.

She said: "The flood defences have done a good job, the buildings and people's businesses have remained undamaged which is great.

"The town has remained open for business, but the problem is Hanley Road links us (Upton) to Malvern most conveniently, so with it flooded traders have been affected.

"We are used to it now, as it happens most years, but it's still frustrating when it does.

"The main problem is people saying Upton is closed, even though it's not, so hopefully this message."

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More rain is expected throughout today (Friday) though, as well as gusty winds.

It doesn't ease up as we head into the weekend either, with yet more rain expected to land on Worcestershire on both Saturday and Sunday.