Council staff said there were around 60 houses in the affected area in Ironbridge and 20 had decided to evacuate.

Resident Debbie Stokes said: “I’ve had to climb through people’s front gardens with all my bags.

“We’re going to have to look at something… to help us get out in the future, because it’s now, times like this, when you realise just how dangerous this can be.”

Motorists told to avoid Bewdley

Another woman, Danielle Bateman, 31, was dog sitting for her parents Carla and Paul, who had gone away for the week.

She said: “We are just above the floodline here.

“Last time this happened the flood of the water actually pushed the flood barriers back. But I think they have secured the barriers more this time.

“My parents only moved here four years ago and they have seen a lot of floods in that time.

“Because it is a heritage site there aren’t permanent barriers. It’s tricky but I think they would ruin the view and perhaps the temporary ones are the best compromise.”

The Environment Agency has been in Bewdley since the weekend and advised motorists to avoid the area.

Most at risk in Bewdley is Beales Corner, which does not have the stronger, more robust barriers the other side of the river has.