THE Journal edition of this week in 1901 brought news of impending works to stop the erosion of the river banks at Pitchcroft.

"The frequent floods are washing away bits of Pitchcroft and the river bank is so irregular that it needs to be tidied up. As a result, the City Council has under consideration a scheme to considerably improve the appearance of the croft and to prevent the washing away of more land for which the council has paid liberally in recent years.

"The Guildhall is inviting tenders for piling along the river's edge for a matter of 330 yards. The piles will stand up at the edge of the water a foot or two above the summer level. There will then be a turfed promenade or terrace of some nine feet in width, and from that a gentle upward slope to the mean level of Pitchcroft - a slope which will be most convenient for spectators watching a boat procession or a regatta.

"An added improvement will be a row of trees along the edge of the croft to afford shelter on a sweltering sunny day."

THIS week 250 years ago, the Worcester Journal reported on a tragedy at Pershore.

"On Monday, Robert Richardson, one of the Dragoons quartered in the town, was bathing himself in the river, but unfortunately drowned.

''He was a man greatly respected throughout the Regiment."