Ironbridge Flooding: Evacuation takes place as barriers overwhelmed
An evacuation has taken place in Ironbridge after temporary barriers became overwhelmed and began flexing due to the volume of water.
Flood defences along the Wharface in Ironbridge have become overwhelmed by the volume of water
Image: Barry Jones
An update on #Ironbridge from @CSuptHarding , who is currently working alongside @shropsfire , @TelfordWrekin , @EnvAgencyMids and @OFFICIALWMAS to safely evacuate residents. The temporary barriers have been overwhelmed by the volume of water, please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/Fp7qlhLFtM https://twitter.com/WMerciaPolice/status/1232658485759893504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
UPDATE: Immediate evacuation of premises in Ironbridge re: water breaching the flood barriers. Thanks to all partners and community for your help and assistance!! #Flooding pic.twitter.com/YMAAZpaZAQ https://twitter.com/CSuptHarding/status/1232637513304616960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Latest pictures from Ironbridge pic.twitter.com/WYA9uRSQCL https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1232653213196791808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Officers from West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Telford & Wrekin Council, West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Environment Agency are in the area.
Those who have remained in their properties were evacuated.
Speaking earlier, Chris Bainger from the Environment Agency said: "An immediate evacuation is taking place in Ironbridge due to the temporary barriers becoming overwhelmed and flexing due to the volume of water. A further severe warning has been issued."
The barriers first moved late last night but had been holding, at lunchtime today they moved further back towards properties. Water is seeping underneath the barriers flooding the area which was previously protected.
A severe flood warning remains in place at the Wharfage.
Had a report of the flood barrier having moved at Ironbridge. @SuptMoLansdale and I immediately attended and chaired a meeting of partners at midnight. The barrier appears intact but has indeed moved. This will be monitored throughout the night. Next partner meeting 8am. pic.twitter.com/DzaccNvacc https://twitter.com/CSuptHarding/status/1232480525320744960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
River levels in the Ironbridge Gorge have exceeded those seen during last week’s flooding. A peak level of 6.8 metres occurred at 6am this morning.
Telford & Wrekin Council has worked with partners since Monday to contact and actively encourage all residents and businesses in areas likely to be affected by flooding to evacuate and to support them to do so.
Yesterday, Shropshire Fire Rescue Service evacuated a number of people from the Wharfage and properties at Bower’s Yard on the other side of the Severn opposite the Wharfage.
There are a number of residents from the Gorge using emergency accommodation the Council has provided, while many others have self-evacuated to friends and family.
Coalbrookdale Primary school will remain closed for the rest of the week.
Here’s how the river level looked a short while ago pic.twitter.com/A5o260BWAc https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1232579565802971139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Roads Closed
All roads into the Ironbridge Gorge are closed to general traffic however there is residential access.
The following roads are accessible for residents through managed entrances:
Tontine Hill / High Street
Paradise
Ironbridge Road
Madeley Road from Hill Top
Church Hill
Lincoln Hill
Traffic over Coalport Bridge (Woodbridge) is being manually controlled because of its vehicle weight limit.
To access Broseley, Much Wenlock, or Jackfield, please use Jiggers Bank up to the Park and Ride roundabout at the junction of the A4169 – follow signs for Much Wenlock.
To access Coalport please go via Legges Way
To access Coalbrookdale, please use Jiggers Bank to up its junction with Paradise.
Residents of Coalbrookdale that live past Paradise should use Station Road but please proceed with care along this road.
The following roads are closed and are impassable:
The Wharfage
Buildwas Road
Ferry Road
Coalford
Dale End
The Lloyds
Waterloo Street
*** THE FREE BRIDGE is also closed so there is no access to Broseley from Ironbridge ***
Buses
8 - Unable to serve Ironbridge or Jackfield from Madeley, will divert through Wenlock to access Broseley to Bridgnorth.
18 - from Madeley will be going direct to Wenlock via the bypass to access Broseley & back to Wenlock to Telford
Car Parks Closed
The Wharfage and Dale End car parks are closed. Ironbridge Park & Ride site is open for anyone who needs to use it.
