FAMILIES living in a Worcester street have had to evacuate their homes today after flooding fears mounted.

Some of the Diglis Avenue residents are now living at a rest centre provided by the city council as emergency planners dubbed this week's floods "the worst for 40 years".

Floors of homes in Diglis Avenue have been raised in the hope of preventing more flood misery but residents were today bracing themselves for the worst.

"At a time like this there are all sort of conflicting reports but a few more inches of rain will definitely see water coming into the house," said one resident, Brenda Morgan.

"The floors have been raised and we've got three steps leading to the road but the water is already on the top step so we expect the worst."

Mrs Morgan said neighbours were all pulling together and refused to become too downhearted about the situation.

"We've lived here 16 years and have been flooded around seven or eight times," said Mrs Morgan, who does renovation work for Kays.

"But it's a lovely place to live the rest of the time and we never feel like moving despite all the inconvenience. I think it's worse for more elderly people although some neighbours have said they'll evacuate their homes if we do get flooded again this time.

"I tend to think of the poor people in Bewdley and other areas who are much more badly affected. That's what keeps me going."

Mrs Morgan praised the city council for its efforts in helping residents.

"They were here yesterday issuing sandbags and duck boards and have really done everything they can," she added.

"No one can actually stop the river rising or stop the rain so we just have to get on with things as best we can."

Worcestershire County Council emergency planning manager John Asquith said the floods were the worst for 40 years.

"They're certainly topping those of 1963 and severe weather warnings have been issued today warning of more rain," he said.

Previously, residents have spent months clearing up after floods with repair and redecoration costs running into thousands of pounds. The Environment Agency carried out flood alleviation measures following pressure from city MP Mike Foster and the city council.