EVESHAM was a town of two halves this weekend after both bridges were closed to traffic and were under threat of destruction.

There were particular fears for Abbey Bridge which has already been closed to heavy traffic for more than six months because of structural damage.

Engineers who examined it on Saturday morning immediately ordered its closure and more damage was inflicted by the floodwater during the day.

By mid-afternoon it was lifted from its foundations and the road surface was being pushed away from its supports. The road began to buckle allowing water to flow through the cracks onto the carriageway.

With both bridges closed, anyone trying to cross town was obliged to use the Evesham bypass.

Homes in Bengeworth around the Port Street area were evacuated by rescuers in boats and an RAF Sea King helicopter throughout Saturday morning.

Hundreds of people stranded in the town made for the Rest Centre at Evesham Leisure Centre set up by Wychavon District Council.

As the bridges were closed, a second centre in Evesham was opened in the Public Hall.

More than 20 pupils at the Vale of Evesham School were still trapped in the building on Saturday evening.