THE flood warning for villages outside oswestry where the rivers Severn and Vyrnwy meet has now been downgraded by the Environment Agency (EA).

A warning had been issue on Thursday afternoon as water levels were dangerously high following heavy rainfall brought by Storm Barra to the UK from Ireland.

However, following an update at 9am on Friday, the warning has been removed and an alert has been put in its place for the Severn/Vyrnwy Confleunce in Crew Green.

An EA spokesman said: "River levels remain high and steady at the Llanymynech river gauge as a result of Storm Barra.

"We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the river from the Welsh border at Llawnt to Shrawardine near Shrewsbury.

"Other locations that may be affected include Llanymynech, Maesbrook and Melverley.

"Minor roads between Maesbrook, Melverley and Pentre start(ing) to flood.

"Llanymynech gauge is peaking now at 3.44m; Cae Howel gauge is rising slowly, Maesbrook gauge is steady (but) further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours. River levels are steady, but still pose a flood risk.

"We are closely monitoring the situation.

"Our incident response staff are checking defences.

"Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded and avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses."