BEWDLEY Bridge has been closed and environment officers sent to deploy a barrier at Severnside South after a rapid rise in water levels.

Stourport Road in Bewdley and Bewdley Bridge has been closed after flooding.

People who live close to Beale's Corner and have property level protection, have been urged to deploy it.

A Wyre Forest council spokesman said that the Severnside barriers will be complete to full height ready for Tuesday's projected peak.

They added that the EA is reviewing whether or not to erect the Beale's Corner barriers before Tuesday.

Bewdley Bridge, Stourport Road/Beale's Corner are shut (A456 by pass is open); Severnside flood defences now in place in Bewdley.

A diversion has been put in place via A456 Bewdley by-pass.

A flood alert remains in place in Bewdley and Stourport as river levels are forecasted to rise as a result of heavy rainfall.