AS barriers continue to keep water at bay, preparations for the worst were made behind the scenes at Upton-upon-Severn.

Hanley Road was closed on Wednesday morning but Upton Bridge and High Street remained open to traffic. There were long delays as commuters tried to get to work.

Waters rose to within a foot of the top of the barriers by late afternoon. Members of the Environment Agency and Malvern Hills District Council's Street Scene team stood watch as extra pumps were brought in to remove water from behind the barriers at Bridge House. Sandbags were available from the police station and Memorial Hall all afternoon Fearing the worst, MHDC set up a rest centre at the Hill Centre in Milestone Road to provide food and shelter in case any residents needed evacuating.