Drop in session for Jackfield residents on Stabilisation Project

Telford & Wrekin Council is holding a drop in session next week for residents in the Jackfield area to discover what more needs to be done before the Stabilisation Project draws to a close.

Drop in session for Jackfield residents on Stabilisation Project
The council’s engineers are currently putting the finishing touches to the £17.6m scheme to stabilise the south bank of the River Severn, which will finish at the end of March.

Next Tuesday’s (FEB 9) drop in session runs from 4-7.30pm at Jackfield Village Hall and 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 feature brief update presentations at 4.30pm and 6.30pm and residents will have the chance to ask the project team questions about what work still needs to be completed.

Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for Public Protection, 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. The cost of £17.6m has included a council contribution of £5.6m.

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.

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