Rivers rising after weather bites

This car was apparently swept away by floods near Wooton

Several roads have been closed and flood warnings are in place after heavy rain hit Shropshire.

Flood defences have been installed in Shrewsbury as river levels are predicted to rise to 10ft (3.2m) by Sunday afternoon.

There are flood warnings along most of the River Severn and on the River Teme from Ludlow to Bransford Bridge.

The fire service said several people had been rescued from cars.

In Wooton, a car apparently swept away in floods was abandoned by the side of a brook.

Surface water

In Ludlow, residents have been sandbagging, and a number of roads have been closed.

There were concerns in Brockton that dam walls might crumble.

Roads closed in the county include the A442 at Quatt, the A456 at Burford, the B4378 at Shipton and the B4371 at Easthope.

In Bridgnorth, the fords at Neen Savage, Borle Mill and Wig Wig were closed because of rising water levels.

Shropshire County Council said they would be monitored over the weekend.

Ch Supt Viv Howells, of West Mercia Police, said: "We are continuing to monitor the situation and are liaising closely with our partner organisations.

"Some localised flooding is being experienced and there is a large amount of surface water on the roads. However, there is no cause for major concern."

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Wem Carnival have insisted it will go ahead.

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