Autumn date for Ironbridge land works decision

A decision on whether cash will be provided by the government to tackle land instability and slippage in Shropshire's World Heritage Site will be made in the autumn, it has been revealed.

Telford MP David Wright tackled minister Bob Neill on the question of funding to solve problems in Ironbridge Gorge.

Mr Wright submitted a written question to Mr Neill, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, asking if the government review had been completed.

He also submitted a separate question asking if the government intended to allocate funding to deal with the problem.

Mr Neill replied: "My Department commissioned Advantage West Midlands to procure consultants to verify the nature and scale of land instability problems in the Ironbridge Gorge.

"My officials have completed the review of the consultants' report and the long term strategy for addressing the land instability issues in Ironbridge Gorge will be considered in the Spending Review, which will be published this autumn."

Tory party chairman Eric Pickles visited the Gorge last year and claimed £86 million was needed to protect the tourist attraction for future generations.

Mr Wright said: "Local taxpayers cannot be expected to foot the bill."