A HERITAGE champion is 'troubled' by the fate of an imperilled medieval bridge as he calls for urgent action before the flood-battered structure suffers further damage or is lost forever.

Powick Old Bridge suffered a partial collapse at the end of January after successive storms brought flood water and, with it, mountains of driftwood crashing against the ancient structure.

The bridge was the scene of the Battle of Powick Bridge on September 23, 1642, the opening skirmish of the English Civil War, and also featured heavily in its last decisive engagement, the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651.

Surviving both battles, the bridge now faces a new struggle for survival, not against cannon fire or musket balls but the ravages of Mother Nature who is proving a cruel mistress.

The battle lines have also been drawn over whether the Environment Agency's removal of a weir to help migrating fish added to the piles of driftwood crashing against the bridge and contributed to the partial collapse of the wing wall, something the EA strongly disputes.

Worcester News: PENSIVE: Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, looks out over the swollen River Teme following the partial collapse of Powick Old Bridge PENSIVE: Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, looks out over the swollen River Teme following the partial collapse of Powick Old Bridge (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Since the partial collapse the arches have been besieged by fresh debris, swept down the swirling and swollen River Teme by successive storms which have frequently left the arches completely submerged by murky flood water.

Worcestershire County Council say they have been on site to clear material but that any repairs must take into account the flood risk. Photos also appear to show that material has since been lost from beneath the collapsed section of the bridge.

 

Daniel Daniels, Chairman of The Battle of Worcester Society, has now made a number of visits to the bridge and his concern has continued to grow after previously likening the damage to an open wound.

Standing by the muddy banks of the murky Teme, he said: "The Battle of Worcester Society is deeply troubled by the apparent delay in the restoration efforts following the collapse of one of the supporting wingwalls into the River Teme. 

"The collapse, potentially triggered by debris accumulation and exacerbated by heavy rainfall since the onset of 2024, has raised concerns. 

Worcester News: PLIGHT: Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, at Powick Old Bridge which is closed to pedestrians and cyclists PLIGHT: Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, at Powick Old Bridge which is closed to pedestrians and cyclists (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

"Despite the collapse occurring in January, there has been no updates regarding repair schedules since the council’s statement on February 1. The failure to clear debris from the river is also worrying, as it may have contributed to the initial collapse in the first place and continues to pose risks of further damage. 

"The Battle of Worcester Society asks the relevant authorities, Worcestershire County Council and the Environment Agency, to take immediate action to prioritise the restoration of Powick Bridge, ensuring its preservation for the benefit of future generations."

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A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We are continuing to review the bridge’s situation, and have been on site and cleared the latest debris from recent floods.

"We are working alongside partners including our contractor Ringway, the Environment Agency and Historic England to ensure we are able to stabilise and begin the long process of repairing the bridge in a way that doesn’t compromise the look of the structure.

"Any working arrangements must take flood risk into consideration which compromises what is possible and how repairs can be carried out.”

Cllr Mike Rouse, cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said previously there had not been such an issue with driftwood until 'the Environment Agency messed with the weir'.

He added: "It is absurd of the Environment Agency to try and  take the council and the public for fools like this."

However, the Environment Agency has denied the removal of the weir is responsible.