Disruption warning over Ironbridge Gorge repairs

Public consultation on the work could begin within a month, parish councillors heard last night. Work to stabilise the Gorge will begin after the Government promised to invest £12 million to carry out the project, which will prevent land moving and slipping into the River Severn.

Neal Rushton, structures and geo-technics team leader at Telford & Wrekin Council, told the meeting of the Gorge Parish Council that three quarters of the Ironbridge Gorge was affected by instability.

However, Jackfield was the priority as it was 'currently the most active site' with millions of tonnes of material steadily moving towards the river.

Mr Rushton said most of the area was open space but there were about 200 properties and businesses which could be affected by the works.

He said: "It would be stupid if I gave the impression that it would not cause a significant disruption during the delivery stage. It will be great but very hard work."

Mr Rushton said there would be a lengthy period of consultation before work began in 2014. It is due to finish in May 2016.

He said they hoped the work would give Jackfield stability for 100 years.

The scheme will cover an area roughly 700m by 400m between Jackfield Tile Museum and the Boat Inn.

Work is likely to include river bank protection, piling, drainage, earth works, road construction, infilling of mine works and landscaping.

The wooden road, which was put in temporarily in the 1950s, will also be removed, and its replacement should be wide enough for two vehicles.