Ironbridge Gorge residents receive land instability packs
Information packs produced by Telford & Wrekin Council are currently being delivered to help keep residents in the Ironbridge Gorge up-to-date about the effects of land instability in the area.
Every home and business in the World Heritage Site is being sent a new land instability pack, updating information that was last received in 2010.
As well as the delivery of packs to residents in the World Heritage Site the council, and relevant partners involved in any response to a major instability incident, will also be holding a series of public information sessions in the Gorge on:
- Wednesday 29th May 2pm - 8pm – Glass Classroom, Enginuity
- Tuesday 4th June 9am - 3pm – Volunteer Centre, Blists Hill
- Tuesday 11th June 2pm - 8pm – Glass Classroom, Enginuity
The pack provides advice about what to look out for, the warning signs and triggers of ground movement and what to do in the event of an incident.
In the unlikely event of major landslides with flooding in the Gorge the pack explains how Telford & Wrekin Council is working with other local authorities, the emergency services and the Environment Agency and has a multi agency plan in place.
A great deal of engineering work has already taken place in the Gorge over the last few years to manage the issue of ground movement and the council will next year begin a new multi million pound scheme in Jackfield, which is one of the worst affected areas.
On completion of the work in Jackfield, Telford & Wrekin Council will have spent more than £33 million on tackling land instability in the Gorge since 2001.
Cllr Richard Overton, cabinet member with responsibility for the Ironbridge Gorge, said: “The nature of the Gorge means ground movement was inevitable, however the council has done a huge amount of engineering work in the last decade to lessen the impact of land instability.
“The council, along with our partners, has a duty to keep residents up to date on matters concerning land instability and remind them of possible dangers and what to do in the event of an incident.”
“While we will continue to lobby for further funding to tackle instability, everyone has a need to be aware of and be prepared for land instability.”
The information contained in the pack is also available by visiting www.telford.gov.uk/gorge
