RIVER levels are continuing to rise across Worcestershire after Storm Christoph brought heavy rain earlier this week, with 41 warnings of flooding in place.

A number of road closures are in place across the county with flooding expected to continue this weekend as rainwater from Wales moves down the Severn towards Worcester. There are currently 29 flood warnings, which mean flooding is expected and immediate action is required, and 12 flood alerts which mean people should be prepared for action.

Worcester City Council is advising drivers to avoid the car parks nearest the river, because of the rising flood levels – this includes the Pitchcroft, Tybridge Street, Croft Road, Newport Street and Cattlemarket car parks. Drivers are advised to use St Martin’s Gate multi-storey instead.

Speaking to the Worcester News, county councillor Tony Miller revealed the measures that have been taken to avoid a repeat of the damage caused by last year’s flooding.

So far the county has avoided the major flooding that was seen last February.

Cllr Miller, county cabinet member with responsibility for environment, said: “With New Road in Worcester, even though it may flood at times, the drainage system we have put in place has largely helped with keeping the gateway into Worcester open.

“Traders in Upton have also been absolutely delighted with the flood alleviation scheme there, and in Broadway, the flood alleviation system has not only made a magnificent wildlife area, but it’s secured the residents from the bad floods they had down there previously. We are also working on a similar scheme for Tenbury Wells and money has been allocated for their alleviation scheme.

“As a county council we have done a tremendous amount of work to cope with flooding. The Environment Agency officers have also been magnificent – we’ve got officers working overnight, not only on the current floods but on the flood problems from 12 months ago because there are still people recovering.”