Jackfield stabilisation work nearing completion

And residents in Jackfield in the Ironbridge Gorge have been invited to see what else needs to be done to the south bank of the river at a drop-in session next week.

Telford & Wrekin Council's engineers were this week putting the finishing touches to the £17.6m scheme to stabilise part of the river. The project will finish at the end of March.

Next Tuesday's drop-in session runs from 4pm until 7.30pm at Jackfield Village Hall. It will give the project team and contractors the opportunity to outline the final works being carried out, including laying of footpaths, landscaping, installation of benches and erection of interpretation boards.

The drop-in session will include a brief update presentations at 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Residents will have the chance to ask the project team questions about what work still needs to be completed.

Councillor Richard Overton, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for public protection, said it was important for residents to be kept updated with the work.

He said: "Although the Jackfield Stabilisation Project is now not far from being completed, we know it is important that we keep residents up to speed with what the finishing touches will involve.

"We have very much appreciated their patience during the past two years as we know that it has not been easy living with such a major project on their doorstep.

"We have done as much as we can to keep local people and visitors to the Gorge as up-to-date as possible on what to expect during the lifespan of the project.

"It is anticipated that everything will be completed at the end of March and we hope to see as many local people as possible at next week's drop-in session to let them know what they can expect during the project's final weeks."

The Jackfield Stabilisation Project has halted land movement on the southern bank of the River Severn, and the high cost has included a council contribution of £5.6 million.

The council is continuing to lobby government for further funding to address instability issues throughout the Ironbridge Gorge, with a further £60 million plus needed in the coming years.

The project has seen the council install concrete piles on the south bank hillside to stop the land from slipping.

Restoration works have continued throughout the winter since the piling was completed.