A CITY councillor has blamed the build-up of debris for the partial collapse of a historic bridge - but regular inspections were carried out says a Highways chief.

Bedwardine councillor Sue Smith has expressed her hopes for the future of the Powick Old Bridge, which has partially collapsed.

The grade I listed bridge, which dates back to medieval times, is thought to have suffered a partial collapse due to part of the foundation being washed away during recent storms.

The bridge is now closed to pedestrians and cyclists as an assessment is carried out by Highways. 

Worcester News: COLLAPSE: Powick Old Bridge has partially collapsed - this photo was taken by Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, who said it was 'sad to see' COLLAPSE: Powick Old Bridge has partially collapsed - this photo was taken by Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, who said it was 'sad to see' (Image: Daniel Daniels)

She said: "Not only do I seek the guarantees that the bridge will be fully repaired but restored to its former glory, that is not enough.  We need to ask some important questions about what went wrong and to ensure it does not happen again."

Cllr Smith is concerned about what she says is the neglect of the bridge by both the Environment Agency and Worcestershire County Council.  

She added: "I feel the county council failed to protect the structure of the bridge, in future they should attach monitors to the bridge which will clearly show if the bridge is in danger, the Environment Agency must also develop a long term plan to prevent debris from collecting in front of the bridge after flooding.

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"We could do so much more at Powick Bridge, we should turn this tragedy into an opportunity, not only to rebuild the bridge but to make Powick Bridge an attractive place for tourists and visitors, provide facilities and celebrate its history and national importance."

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The debris at Powick Bridge has been brought by the high flows we have seen this winter. The Environment Agency is not responsible for maintaining the bridge or removing any debris against it.

"The Environment Agency has powers to carry out activities to reduce the risk of flooding to properties, this can include removing blockages that are causing an increased risk of property flooding."

People wanting to report a blockage in a watercourse can call the incident hotline on 0800 807060.

Councillor Mike Rouse, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said he was  saddened to hear of the collapse of the.

"We carry out inspections on all Worcestershire County Council owned Structures including Powick Old Bridge in accordance with the Government Code of Practice for Well Managed Highway Infrastructure. This involves General Inspections every two years and a Principal Inspection every six. 

"Powick had its last Principal Inspection, a full assessment with an engineer gaining access to every part of the bridge, in May 2022, and was last inspected for erosion of the abutments and pier foundations in May 2023."

He said the bridge is inspected for erosion levels every year, and also a separate inspection for any changes in erosion levels after every flood where possible.

"Further erosion level inspections haven’t been able to be carried out following the recent storms as water and debris levels have remained consistently high. 

"Debris removal has to be co-ordinated with the water levels receding, as access is required to the bank side to remove it. Debris removal has been undertaken on Powick Old Bridge in December 2022, May 2023 and most recently in January 2024.”