UPTON is bracing itself for floods as the River Severn continues to rise.

Minor flooding has already occurred and the bottom of New Street and the riverside road between Bridge House and The Swan Hotel have been closed.

The Environment Agency's Lyn Fradley said urged local residents to stay vigilant.

She said: "The river is continuing to rise steadily and although it will ease off temporarily it will rise again if there is further rainfall."

Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue (MISAR), based at Upton Marina, has delivered sandbags to the police station car park in School Lane.

Chairman David Walker said the situation did not look too promising, but said MISAR was well prepared to react when needed.

"I don't think the floods will be as severe as five years ago but they might well be worse than a standard flood that quickly disappears," he said.

For regular updates, call the Environment Agency's 24-hour Floodline on 0845 9881188.