THE surprise departure of an experienced highways chief ahead of a key meeting about the plight of a partially collapsed medieval bridge and may leave the project 'in chaos' says a councillor.

Cllr Alan Amos praised the work of Jon Fraser, describing his 'critical' importance in ongoing work to protect and repair Powick Old Bridge, fearing his loss will leave the project in a state of 'chaos'.

Heritage leaders including representatives of Worcester Civic Society were due to meet with workers including former Highways leader Jon Fraser at the beleaguered bridge this Thursday.

MISSED: Jon Fraser has been praised for his leadership qualities and is considered the keystone by Alan Amos when it comes to the future of Powick Old Bridge (Image: Jonathan Barry)

As previously reported, Mr Fraser was one of three staff members who have left the county council after its controversial fire and rehire plan was executed.

Mr Fraser is amongst those who didn't take up its rehire offer after approximately 140 staff were fired last week with the option to be rehired on Monday, October 15.

He was due to meet heritage champions, including members of Worcester Civic Society, at the grade I listed bridge, constricted before 1447, on Thursday.

Phil Douce, speaking on behalf of the society, said he hoped somebody with 'equal knowledge' would be able to give them a progress report on repairs following the partial collapse of wingwall at the end of January. 

Cllr Amos said: "Jon Fraser is critical to ensuring the Powick Bridge repair goes on. We can't afford to lose him at this critical time of year. We need this work to be co-ordinated.

"I had been receiving weekly updates on the bridge from Jon Fraser. I'm trying to find out who will carry on with these progress reports. We need leadership.

"It feels like chaos. There doesn't appear to be anyone to replace Jon Fraser. My concern is that bridge repairs will be delayed yet again."

Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, said: “We wish the very best for Jon Fraser who was always keen to brief and update interested parties.

“Jon had arranged a viewing for us this Thursday and we hope this is still happening.

“We are very keen that progress continues and that repairs to this heritage bridge are still on track despite the council lead leaving."

Mr Fraser, who began working for the organisation in 1986, announced the news in a post on his LinkedIn page.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said in a previous statement: "We can confirm that around 140 employees were offered new contracts of employment which were effective on October 12 with Monday (October 14) being their first working day.

"The only change to the contract was a reduction of two hours from 37 to 35 hours per week."

RECOMMENDED READING: Powick Old Bridge latest photos as work well underway

RECOMMENDED READING: Powick Old Bridge: latest photo as repair work continues

The bridge is considered an integral part of Worcester's Civil War heritage as the site 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.

We have approached Worcestershire County Council for a comment.