Shropshire Star

Date set for Ironbridge Gorge decision

The Government today promised to reveal before the end of the month whether it will bankroll the multi-million pound scheme to combat land slippage and instability at Shropshire's World Heritage Site.

Published

The Government today promised to reveal before the end of the month whether it will bankroll the multi-million pound scheme to combat land slippage and instability at Shropshire's World Heritage Site.

Minister Bob Neill has written to Telford MP David Wright to confirm that the result of long-running deliberations will be revealed this month following the outcome of the Coalition Government's spending review.

Mr Wright was optimistic that "crucial" funding would be provided following three years of campaigning and reports from consultants, the Environment Agency and local and central government officers.

Mr Wright said: "Broadly I think there's been some agreement in the kind of work that will be needed and ultimately the Government's got to come up with funding on this.

"This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it can't just fall to the local community and residents to pick up all the bill for ensuring that the gorge is protected and preserved." He added: "We've been waiting a long time for two Governments to deal with this and I'm going to make sure ministers deliver on their promises."

During a visit to the gorge in 2009, Tory party chairman Eric Pickles claimed £86 million was needed to protect the site.

Scientific studies within the last decade have shown that as much as three quarters of Ironbridge is unstable due to its unusual geology, which features conflicting underground pressures and high levels of sand and clay.