Powick Old Bridge partial collapse 'stop finger-pointing'

Powick Old Bridge suffered a partial collapse at the end of January and remains closed while investigations continue into the cause.

Meanwhile, battle lines are drawn as experts bicker about whether the removal of a weir is to blame.

FLOODS: Powick Old Bridge has been hit by successive floods in recent months (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Heated discussions have centred on whether the weir's removal to help migrating fish caused the build-up of driftwood which undermined the structural integrity of the bridge.

The bridge played a vital part in both the Battle of Powick Bridge and the Battle of Worcester, the first and last battle of the English Civil War, but now a new war of words has erupted over who is to blame.

Fair bit of nonsense being spouted about debris build ups on old Powick Bridge.

Councillors appear keen to blame removal of upstream weir by EA in 2018/19.

Pics from 2012-2015, years before works took place, suggest otherwise.https://t.co/qMMRPVCiea pic.twitter.com/SNmmtROWC6

— Dave Throup (@DaveThroup) March 5, 2024

As the debate rages on, the bridge continues to be battered, not this time by musket fire or the thunder of marching soldiers' boots, but by the driftwood besieging her.

The Environment Agency denies the removal of the weir caused the driftwood sweeping down the River Teme which some critics are blaming for the partial collapse.

DEBRIS: Driftwood builds up at the 'open wound' on Powick Old Bridge (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

However, Cllr Mike Rouse, cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said there had not been such an issue with driftwood until 'the Environment Agency messed with the weir'.

He added: "It is absurd of the Environment Agency to try and  take the council and the public for fools like this."

Paul Harding of Discover History said: "'Every incident in life results in finger-pointing, heated debates on social media, hearsay, and lots of self-appointed experts.

"However, to someone with a passion for heritage and local history, I would just like the structure stabilised, restored, and reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.

"Questions and enquiries can then be carried out at a later date. The priority is to prevent this internationally important, scheduled monument from being lost forever."

RECOMMENDED READING: Powick Old Bridge partial collapse 'don't take us for fools'

RECOMMENDED READING: Powick Old Bridge collapse not caused by weir removal

CONCERN: Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, is a passionate advocate of preserving Worcester's rich Civil War history for posterity (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, said: "It is distressing to witness that this issue was not given the attention it deserved, probably leading to the unfortunate occurrence we now face.

“We hope there is a comprehensive investigation into whether recent developments contributed to or caused this incident. The community is eager for clarity on this matter, and we urge that information is provided by the appropriate authorities about what were the exact factors that led to the bridge's current state.

"We are keen that this historically significant bridge, part of Worcester’s heritage, is repaired as soon as practical and that measures are put in place to ensure it does not happen again.”