Keep calm and 'carry on' is the message from flood-hit Bewdley
Residents of storm-battered Bewdley have talked up their resilience and their "carry on" attitude despite being plagued by constant flooding.
Storm Babet devastated much of the UK over the weekend, causing the water levels of the River Severn in Bewdley to rise by more than three metres, leading to the water breaking free of the river banks and submerging parts of the town.
However, when this reporter visited the sleepy town, the residents seemed unfazed by the near thigh-high water, with many simply "carrying on".
Talking to the Express & Star, the residents of Bewdley opened up about their "carry on" attitude towards the floods, and about their community spirit in times of crisis.
Michelle Millman, who moved to the town on July 1 of this year, owns the River View Garden Tea Rooms, on Stourport Road, which operated as a newsagent in the 70s and 80s and has been flooded three times this year.
On the flood, Michelle said: "I'm not really too concerned about it honestly. I don't think you buy a house in Bewdley expecting it not to flood, I bought this place knowing what I was getting into.
"You do worry for the people on the front there. But we all look after each other. We have our 'flood buddies' - we take care of each other and carry on really."
The residents of the town operate a "flood buddy" system, where if there is an impending flood and you are out of the house, another resident will install your floodgates for you.
Michelle continued: "It's really nice, it really is. Everyone takes care of each other. I have had so many people come up and give me numbers offering any help if you need it. It's a real community."
Residents on the "flood line" on Stourport Road seem to be the worst hit by the current round of floods. A permanent flood barrier is mere weeks away from completion, and residents appreciated the irony.
Martin David, 54, who lives near the flood line said: "It's kind of ironic, isn't it? They just started building these flood barriers and we have a flood. It's too little too soon I suppose.
"The council was trying though and that's all that matters. We always take care of ourselves and our own so we will be fine until the defences are built."
One of the buildings consistently affected by the floods is one of Bewdley's oldest buildings, which now makes up numbers five, seven and nine of Stourport Road, and has been present in the town since 1310.
Chanel and Sam Mills, 31 and 29 respectively, have lived in one of the houses in the oldest building with their 12-month-old son Arthur since August 2, 2022.
Chanel said: "You get just get used to it really you know. Sam was born and bred here so he is pretty used to it.
"You can actually see in the house the water line where the water has come up to previously. It's a lot of history. We are fine though. It's not our first flood.
"We have flood defences and we also have flood defences in the basement, but the water is nearly right up to the door now."
She added: "Everyone does help. It's a really nice place to live."
Bewdley is known for its near-constant floods, with residents helping each other when and where it needed.
Steven Ficken talked about living in the area for over 30 years. He said: "It's not the worst we have seen really. There is a plaque around the corner that has a mark on it showing you the highest it has ever been.
"It's a shame because they were just working on the permanent flood defences. The worry is when they install them, when it does flood it will push it downstream, but that's not our issue really.
"I actually remember when it was so deep it nearly came up to your head. It's been a lot worst but you know, we get through it."
The high water levels are set to continue throughout the week, with officials worrying that if the water levels rise by another 0.5 of a metre, the river might overrun the temporary flood defences.
One Environment Agency worker said: "The town's been through a lot, the permanent defences were getting built; it's just a shame it happened now.
"I mean if it rises a few more inches then it will be over the temporary barriers, which is a bit worrying, but most people have flood defences so they should be okay."
The River Seven is showing no signs of slowing down over the next few days, with flood groups warning to stay safe in the weather.
The Bewdley Flood Group said: "Six inches of water can lift a car so it's uncontrollable, don't risk entering any water that's unknown.
"If you hit the water and your car dies, do not try and start it or it will hydro lock, call for assistance and save your engine."
