PEOPLE were forced to flee their homes after being hit by floods for the second time in ten days.

Flooded residents were evacuated to hotels as their homes filled with water. Worcester City Council said 60 homes and businesses were hit.

Ade Cartwright, 50, and his family were forced to leave their Diglis Avenue home when it became apparent they would flood again.

He said: "My wife and I left, along with most of the neighbours. The city council have put us up in the Fownes Hotel. We are managing but it is difficult living in one room together, 24 hours a day!

"Last weekend it came into the house, luckily we were prepared, once the water receded we managed to clear it up with a few friends within four hours.

"Now it has happened again we have decided to leave. We can't do anything until the levels drop and I don't envisage that happening until the weekend."

Water began to lap onto riverside roads yesterday morning.

The city's main bridge was shut, initially, one way and then by 2pm closed completely when water spilled into Hylton Road and Tybridge Street, which both remained closed, along with New Road.

A shuttle bus ran along New Road, which was just about passable on foot.

The closures led to heavy traffic in the city centre, St John's, along the southern link road and in Ombersley.

River levels in the city centre were expected to peak - at around the same level as previously - last night.

Mr Cartwright said:"I feel we have been very well supported and looked after. The city council have been absolutely brilliant, as have the Environment Agency and the fire service. We have been given an emergency grant and suitable accommodation and plenty of flood warnings in advance.

"I cannot fault the approach, everyone has all piled in together to help, including the neighbours and the ladies down at the Cathedral cafe providing bacon butties and drinks to the workers. It has been very community-led."

West Mercia Police and the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue service visited residents on Diglis Avenue to provide advice and reassurance.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, deputy leader of Worcester City Council, said: “The city council is committed to supporting residents through the many problems and challenges that a major flood presents.

"We have a dedicated team who are keeping in regular contact with the 50-plus householders who have been flooded. We’re checking on their welfare, offering practical help and finding them temporary accommodation when needed."

The floodwater was also affecting homes in Severn Terrace.

Kim Weston said she was concerned for her parents' wellbeing as water threatened to consume the elderly couple's home.

She said: "The water is dangerously close to the properties, it has never been this close before. I am very concerned that my parents' house will flood.

"The road has been closed but cars continue to speed down it to get to Castle Street. It is causing the water to ripple and splash up the brickwork. I wish they would put a proper blockade to stop people driving through the floodwater. It is making matters worse.

She added: "We have received no official advice about what to do in this situation, I feel like we have been left to fend for ourselves a bit.

"It is really disappointing. I managed to get hold of the city council and asked for some sandbags only to find out they don't provide them! If we do flood we have no precautions in place. It is a very poor show."

However, a spokesman for Worcester City Council said the council didn't provide sandbags because they were not effective in protecting against floods and could become contaminated by unhygienic floodwater.

He added: "Our recommended approach for flood alleviation is through alterations to homes such as raising floors and the installation of barriers. Financial support for these measures is potentially available through the Flood Support Funding scheme."

Holt Heath bridge was open and the owner of the Holt Fleet, Sue Law, said the pub has stayed open despite the river lapping at the doors.

She said: "We are obviously very used to flooding in this area, we have flood defences in place and are able to remain open as the flooding only really affects the basement and the garden.

"We have lost a few benches and have to change barrels in our wellies but we are lucky that we don't have to shut.

"Our business is still open and our staff and customers alike haven't been too badly affected. If anything, the road closures have forced people to drive past and remember that we are here."

"I am just hoping the water goes down a bit for our annual wedding open weekend next week. We joke that we are offering the very closest views to the river. It is important to stay positive."