A large crane is now at a partially collapsed medieval bridge and will be used to build a working platform so urgent repairs can begin.

A crane is now on site lifting bags of stone (ballast) into the riverbed to create a dry working area at Powick Old Bridge, a key component in the long term repair of the historic monument.

Monday of this week was the anniversary of the Battle of Powick Bridge, the opening skirmish of the English Civil War, fought on September 23, 1642.

A Spider Excavator is also on site recovering collapsed material from the river.

Bags of stone placed together to form a ballast wall will safeguard the collapsed area of the wingwall from further damage, and allow the arch and abutment to be inspected further.

It will also protect the damaged section from any further loss of material, and add support to the whole structure before the main repairs begin.

Having the ballast wall in place will prevent water from entering the arch so that work can take place, and if the river does flood, water will be diverted over the top.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The crane coming to site to help create the working platform is a real key point in the long term repair of the bridge. It serves as an extra layer of protection for the wingwall against further damage and provides further support, while further detailed inspections are carried out to aid the detailed design of the reconstruction.

"We know how important this bridge is to the city and its communities, and we are continuing to work closely with our partners at the Environment Agency and Historic England to ensure the bridge is restored and can continue to tell the city’s historical story.”

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This recovery approach will also lead to a large proportion of the original stonework being reclaimed from the river bed.

The wing wall will need to be completely taken down as part of the repair process, however, the rebuild will use as much of the initial stone and brick as possible. The temporary works will be followed by detailed design of a permanent reconstruction, which is being worked on in partnership with the Environment Agency and Historic England.

The design will require further approvals ahead of final works next year.