HERITAGE champions have reacted with joy to work carried out on a 'precious' partially collapsed medieval bridge as an important milestone in its long history looms.
A platform and temporary stairs have been constructed at Powick Old Bridge near Worcester after previous work to cut back vegetation ahead of the work to return the structure to its former glory.
A digger was also on the site of the bridge which was famous as the site of the first skirmish of the English Civil War, the Battle of Powick Bridge, and it last engagement, the Battle of Worcester.
The bridge has been closed to pedestrians and cyclists since it suffered a partial collapse of the wingwall at the end of January. Further fencing has now been installed as work on the bridge proceeds apace ahead of the winter when there is an increased risk of storms and flooding.
Work was welcomed by history enthusiasts as this month is the anniversary of the Battle of Powick Bridge, fought on September 23, 1642.
The temporary works will be followed by a second phase to permanently reconstruct the damaged section in 2025.
Cllr Alan Amos paid a visit to the site while at the opening of the nearby flood defence scheme in Toronto Close, Lower Wick in Worcester and said he was committed to seeing the repairs finished.
"I'm not giving up on this. This is a priority for me. I'm delighted progress, real progress, seems to be taking place," he said.
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His sentiments were echoed by Paul Harding of Discover History who is a passionate advocate of the city's rich English Civil War history, giving talks which shed light on the significance of the bridge.
Mr Harding said: "It's great to see work starting on this very precious Ancient Monument. We have been very busy with our Battlefield Tours during the recent anniversary of the Battle of Worcester, and many people have enquired as to what is happening and when.
"We will follow the repairs closely and will welcome the day we can use this beautiful medieval bridge again. After all, it bridges the gap of both the river and our shared heritage."
First constructed in 1447, the bridge was rebuilt in the 17th century and is famously recognised as the location of the opening battle of the English Civil War in 1642.
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