Powick Old Bridge: Councillor's fear over delay in repairs

Malcolm Victory is worried work to fix the historic bridge, which suffered a partial collapse earlier this year, is taking too long.

He will ask Worcestershire’s cabinet member for highways Marc Bayliss about the bridge in a county council meeting on Thursday (July 11).

Worcestershire County Council has already said it is preparing to carry out repairs.

But county and city councillors are getting anxious about the state of the bridge, which has been closed since the end of January and has now had a large hole open up.

Cllr Victory’s pre-written question is included in documents published ahead of Thursday’s meeting.

He said: “The bridge was the scene of the Battle of Powick Bridge in 1642, the opening skirmish of the English Civil War, and also featured heavily in its last decisive engagement, the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

“It was constructed by monks from Malvern Priory before 1447 and partially rebuilt during the 17th century.

“Paul Harding, of Discover History, said ‘Sadly, it will continue to deteriorate until something is done. I hope the finger-pointing and blame game has come to an end, and a plan has been coordinated’.

“I also hope that the plans have already been laid and that repairs can be made before we are once again threatened by flood waters.

“If plans are delayed as long council as the notorious repairs on the A449 before British Camp - over a year - I fear that we can say goodbye to the bridge.

“My question is why does it take so long for Highways to act in these complex scenarios, and when will the bridge be repaired? In both examples, the delay may be ruinous.”

Cllr Alan Amos is also set to ask for an update on the repair work on the bridge and for an estimated date for its reopening.

Worcester City Council is also expected to discuss the future of the bridge this week as a motion calling for its restoration is being put forward by councillors Richard Udall, Sue Smith, Jenny Barnes and Cllr Amos.