New phase begins in project to stabilise Ironbridge Gorge
Contractors are about to begin the main works to stabilise a key part of Shropshire's World Heritage Site.
McPhillips Ltd, of Wellington, have already been on site since the start of the year performing preparatory work, as part of the Jackfield Stabilisation Project.
But now work is due to take part on the main work to prevent landslides and try to reduce erosion and the movement of land in the area.
Residents in the Ironbridge Gorge were given an update on the work at the annual meeting of The Gorge Parish Council, held in the Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge Community Centre on Wellington Road in Coalbrookdale last night.
At the meeting Colin Pitcher, senior engineering geologist from Telford & Wrekin Council gave an update on how the project was progressing. The overall work will cost a total of £17.6 million with contributions made by the Government's Department for Communities and Local Government which has been part matched by Telford & Wrekin Council and is set to be completed by March 31, 2016.
Hundreds of trees have already been felled alongside the most active area of land to make way for the main works, which will include the treatment of mine workings under ground in the area, piling which will create reinforcements under the land, river bank protection to prevent further erosion, drainage of water from the land to prevent anything which may cause land movement once the piling has been completed, the construction of a highway between the end of the Tile Museum to near Maws Craft Centre to replace the existing road and landscaping.
Mr Pitcher said: "We are very aware the significant value of the Gorge and the role this area plays in the economy of the Gorge and for the community we are looking to minimise the impact of the work.
"The contractors have been on site since December, breaking the ground as it were and removing trees to allow us to get to the ground and stabilise it."
Mr Pitcher reassured residents that although it will take many years, it is hoped that after the landscaping, the area will be returned to a green space housing the diverse natural environment the Gorge is famous for.
