THE devastating effects of flood damage in Bewdley were seen starkly at the weekend as the waters receded to reveal a partial collapse in the quay wall.

Some families forced to leave their homes during the floods were told not to return for a temporary period on Satur-day night because of worries houses might be at risk. These turned out to be unfounded.

Although a full survey of the wall at Severnside North will have to wait until the river level drops, three areas of subsidence in a 600ft length of road surface have raised fears of major repairs that could bring closure for months.

But Environment Agency area manager Steve Morley said the damage did not rule out a portable steel wall scheme that is among the latest flood defence options being considered.

Mr Morley said: "We were due to investigate the feasibility of the scheme this month by putting down bore holes but this work has had to be delayed.

"If the quay wall has to be strengthened it could be an opportunity for us to put in the very sturdy foundations that we would have to sink into the ground for the fixings.

"The collapse certainly does not rule out the system altho-ugh there is a lot of investigative work to do first."

Worcestershire County Council bridge manager Martin Downes said holes had appeared in the block paving because river currents had washed away sand under the surface.

The quay wall was believed to be about 150 years old and there was evidence of a lower wall that used to be reached by steps down from the houses.