Upton Floods: Shop owners thankful for flood defences

Upton Upon Severn is a regular hotspot for flooding but, this year, businesses so far remain financially unaffected.

The Star Inn is one of the many buildings in the town which has previously flooded regularly.

READ MORE: Several cars still parking in flooded Pitchcroft car park

Stuart Franklin, the pub's new owner, said: "The flood gates have definitely done a fantastic job.

"It's been so much better since they've been put in place.

"Upton is still open for business."

One of the worst floods the town has seen was in 2007, when it was almost reduced to an island.

An employee at Upton Emporium said she had to leave work early when she was given the announcement that police were closing her main exit out of the town due to floods.

But yesterday she said: "I think the rain impacted business more than the flooding.

"If it was not for the floodgates, it would be very wet, to say the least - with flooding like we've had, without barriers, people would definitely be hesitant to come into Upton."

Currently, there are two main road closures in Upton on Hanley Road and New Street because of the flooding.

But despite access via roads being restricted, shopkeepers said the situation was still better than in the past.

Luke Sturman, owner of The Swan Inn, added: "The defences are great - this is the third time the water has been this close to my business in the past few months.

"I was initially nervous about the rising levels, but I have been well assured that the water will not breach the wall."

Because Environment Agency staff are carrying out industrial action, messages are currently automated, so there are currently no up-to-date river levels.

However, they have said the river Severn will peak at Saxons Lode on Sunday (January 15) to 5.0m or 5.5m.