AN ancient bridge is once again under bombardment as piles of driftwood from a swollen river batter the beleaguered medieval structure, made famous by a bloody Civil War battle.

The flood waters are once more besieging Powick Old Bridge in Worcester after more heavy rain caused the River Teme to rise, submerging most of the archways beneath a swirling, murky torrent.

Photos and video show debris piling up against the side of the bridge, precisely at the spot where the partial collapse occurred at the end of last month. 

The damage has already been compared by Battle of Worcester Society chairman Daniel Daniels to 'an open wound' but it appears Mother Nature is now rubbing salt into it.

River levels had receded but with recent heavy rain (bringing a yellow weather warning and flood warnings in force on the Severn, Teme and Avon) they rose again on Friday, placing renewed pressure on the bridge as the structure comes under fresh onslaught.

Worcester News: WORRY: Driftwood clogs up the arches of Powick Old Bridge, an integral part of Worcester's medieval and later Civil War history WORRY: Driftwood clogs up the arches of Powick Old Bridge, an integral part of Worcester's medieval and later Civil War history (Image: Newsquest)

The bridge, still closed to pedestrians and cyclists, is central to the history of Worcester, playing a key role in both the opening skirmish of the English Civil War, the Battle of Powick Bridge on September 23, 1642, and its last battle, the Battle of Worcester, nearly a decade later on September 3, 1651.

A section of the wing wall collapsed at the end of January, sparking fears about the future of the grade I listed medieval structure.

Worcester News: SHUT: The Powick Old Bridge is closed to pedestrians and cyclists SHUT: The Powick Old Bridge is closed to pedestrians and cyclists (Image: Supplied)

Councillor Mike Rouse, cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said in a previous statement: "Like many, I was deeply saddened to hear of the wing wall collapsing on Powick Old Bridge, forcing its closure earlier this month. I know how popular this bridge is as a walking and cycling route for our residents, and visitors to our county.

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"Initial investigations indicate the partial collapse occurred due to the effects of significant amounts of debris accumulating against the structure resulting in scour issues. We have seen a huge increase in such debris since the upstream weir was partially removed as part of an initiative to assist the migration of fish in the River Teme.

"Contrary to some comments that have appeared claiming the damage is due to negligence, the County Council would vehemently deny this. We take the maintenance of our structures extremely seriously, complying with all Government code of practice requirements and exceeding those relating to diving inspections.

"It is strongly believed that the damage was due to erosion caused by a very intense flood event combined with the excessive amounts of debris that had built up against the bridge structure. Investigations are ongoing to establish the source of excessive debris."