Work to stop landslips backed

The go-ahead has been given for the second phase of a multi-million scheme to prevent potentially devastating landslides in the Ironbridge Gorge.

It will involve clearing away a jungle of undergrowth and creating a waterside picnic and fishing area below The Lloyds on the northern banks of the Severn.

Engineers say it will mean a dramatic change to the wild character of the gorge but work is necessary to stop unstable land steadily slipping into the river.

And on the southern banks, at Lloyds Head, the Black Swan pub car park will be transformed into another picnic area with a lookout platform.

Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board last night approved the work which follows £3 million stabilisation work to the buckled road at The Lloyds.

A further £1.5 million grant has been committed by the Government Office West Midlands which will be matched by other grants or funded by the council.

Engineers now want to tackle the steeply sloping overgrown banks which hide the river from view.

The unstable slope is infested with Japanese Knotweed, self-seeded trees and other vegetation. The undergrowth will be chopped back, the slope reduced and large stone embankments built.

"Rather than leave it as a semi-private realm, the proposal is to open up the landscape for much wider use," an officers' report to councillors said.