FLOODING is finally starting to recede in Upton-Upon-Severn after water levels rose and the town’s floodgates were shut.

The town’s floodgate at New Street was closed after heavy rain battered the area over the last week.

The water failed to cause too much disruption to the town but four of the troughs of flowers installed for Upton in Bloom were left submerged in water.

Jackie Surtees, chair of Upton in Bloom, said she was thankful that the flood defences in the town had mostly protected the displays.

She said: "On Saturday June 8, Upton in Bloom installed our troughs on the riverside, including four on the Old Bridge Abutment.

"The flowers from one of the troughs have been washed away.

"We are already planning to replant the troughs once the river has gone down, ready for the Heart of England in Bloom judging on Tuesday July 16.

"In July 2007 we lost all our riverside barrel displays and several boat displays, all of which were replanted in time for judging in the RHS Britain in Bloom national campaign.

"Since then the flood wall has been built, so only the four troughs were under threat from the river."

Worcestershire County Council announced the A4104 had been raised and made flood-ready in the hope the town would be less affected by flooding last Tuesday.

Councillor Tony Miller, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for environment, said: "The delivery of this huge project was vital for the local area and I’m delighted that the works are now complete. Flooding has impacted this community in previous years in a way that most of us across the county will thankfully never experience. To know that the likelihood of this road flooding in the future is dramatically reduced, is fantastic."

Minister for local growth, Jake Berry MP, said: “We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and whole of the UK and building a Britain fit for the future. I’m delighted that £4m from the Local Growth Fund has been invested in this vital flood alleviation programme, which will minimise road closures in the future."