A dry working platform is being built at a partially collapsed medieval bridge ahead of urgent repair work.

Ballast bags are being lifted into place to create the platform at Powick Old Bridge so repairs to the bridge, famous as the site of the first battle of the English Civil War, can begin in earnest. 

Teams from Alun Griffiths and King Lifting Ltd were on site this week carrying out the work after the bridge suffered a partial collapse of the wing wall at the end of January. 

 

 

The work continues as Worcestershire is once more battered by heavy rain today (Tuesday).

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Flooding has been blamed for the partial collapse of  the Grade I listed structure, closed to pedestrians and cyclists for safety reasons for the last eight months.

The bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the cause of the partial collapse has been identified by Worcestershire County Council as 'likely caused by recent flooding and a buildup of debris'.

Driftwood has been pictured in the past piled up against the bridge which, according to Historic England, was built before 1447 and was partially rebuilt during the 17th century.

The Battle of Powick Bridge, the opening skirmish of the English Civil War, fought on September 23, 1642. The bridge also played a role in the last engagement of the war, the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651.