 Barriers have been installed following flood warnings |
The Shadow Transport Minister Theresa May is visiting Shrewsbury to see the town's new flood defences. Her visit was arranged before the Environment Agency activated the barriers on Sunday due to rising water levels along the River Severn.
Flood warnings are expected to remain in place along the Severn this week as forecasters predict heavy rain across Britain.
This is the first time the removable flood defence system has been used since it was constructed in 2002.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We have put a demountable defence system along the banks of the river.
"We may need to extend it in the week."
He added: "A similar system was installed at Bewdley last year and it is fairly unique to the Severn."
Shrewsbury is one of several towns on the banks of the Severn that has been hit by increased flooding over the past two years.
The Conservative MP will also meet borough councillors on the site of the Harlescott livestock market to discuss delays in deciding whether a new Tesco supermarket can be built there.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
