A SITE visit took place to inspect a partially collapsed medieval bridge although no work has yet been carried out to repair the historic structure.

Work to repair Powick Old Bridge was due begin yesterday (Monday) after there was a partial collapse of the wingwall in January.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said yesterday: “An initial site visit took place early this morning ahead of setting up fencing to secure the site and to start mobilising plant and equipment from tomorrow. Footpath signage will also begin this week. The compound set-up is due to be completed by the end of next week.”

 

 

It was announced last week that construction teams would begin work towards creating a platform on the upstream side of the river.

However, no workmen were on site at lunchtime yesterday as Cllr Alan Amos, Conservative county councillor for Bedwardine, said he had already received complaints from residents, some of whom had arrived on site to watch the work only to find nothing was happening. 

Cllr Amos said he was concerned about what he described as 'the lack of urgency' when it came to the repair work, saying he was 'extremely disappointed'.

Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport, said last week: "I'm delighted that the first phase of repair work is about to start on Powick Old Bridge.

"Hopefully the installation of the temporary platform will reassure people that we are working hard to reinstate the bridge to its former glory."

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The temporary works will be followed by a second phase to permanently reconstruct the damaged section in 2025.

Cllr Bayliss added: "We are working alongside partners, including the Environment Agency and Historic England, to ensure we are able to repair the bridge in a way that does not compromise the look of the structure.

"There isn't a quick fix, this restoration will take time and patience to ensure that all work is carried out with the consideration that such an important bridge deserves.

The bridge first closed after partially collapsing when fierce storms battered the City in January before a large hole opened up in the middle of the bridge in June.

First constructed in 1447, the bridge was rebuilt in the 17th century and is recognised as the location of the opening battle of the English Civil War in 1642.