£50m pledge to protect Ironbridge Gorge

The Government has pledged to spend £50 million on tackling the problem of land slippage and instability at the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

But the multi-million-pound pledge, announced yesterday by Local Government Minister Bob Neill, is £30 million short of the amount Telford MP David Wright claims is needed to safeguard the site.

Telford & Wrekin Council will now have to find the balance to pay for the work.

Mr Wright said today: "While we are disappointed at the proportions, we are pleased the Government recognises both the importance of Ironbridge Gorge and its responsibility to ensure we safeguard an important World Heritage Site."

Meredith Evans, corporate director at Telford & Wrekin Council, who attended the hearing, said afterwards: "It is good that the Government has recognised that it has a responsibility here. We are happy to meet with officials to discuss how we can work together."

Mr Neill made the announcement during a Westminster debate in which Mr Wright sought a commitment from ministers to preserve the Gorge.

Mr Neill said Whitehall would put up 60 per cent of the cash needed to remedy the threat to residents and tourists in a phased programme of £2.5m to £5m works during the next 10 to 20 years.

The rest of the required £80m must be found by Telford & Wrekin Council, which, he said, ministers would work with to find an "achievable solution".

"It is a huge asset to this country, an immensely valuable part of our heritage and important to the local and wider economy, both in terms of jobs and as a significant tourist attraction," Mr Neill said.

He stressed it was "unlikely" a "complete solution" could be found because of the geological features of the area, but said much could be done to mitigate the risks of a "slippage" impacting the lives and property of residents.

"We want to see this resolved," he said.

Spearheading last night's debate, Mr Wright warned the safety of residents and tourists was at "risk" while the remedial works remain stalled. The Labour MP said ministers had a "duty" to protect inhabitants.

Some £16m has already been spent to address land stability problems.