Repairs proposed to Bridgnorth rock face

Work is due to start next week (Monday 16 July 2012) to stabilise small areas of the rock face which extends from St Mary’s Steps to the Cliff Railway in Bridgnorth. 

The work is proposed after a routine inspection carried out in December 2011 identified small areas of the rock face that could potentially become loose. 

The proposed work will be carried out in two phases.  The first is expected to start on Monday 16 July 2012 and will last for approximately two weeks.  The second is expected to start in mid-August 2012 and last for about eight weeks. 

To gain access to the rock face, the contractor, Colin Jones Rock Engineering, will be abseiling down from Castle Walk. 

When the work is underway, Castle Hill Walk and St Mary’s Steps will remain open for use by pedestrians.  However, there may be a few occasions when the users of Castle Hill Walk may experience short delays. 

It is estimated that the work will cost approximately £31,000. 

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for bridge maintenance, said:

“This is essential work which needs to be carried out to ensure the safety of both the public and the properties situated at the foot of the rock face.” 

Les Winwood, a Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth West and Tasley, said:

“I am pleased that work to repair this important rock face is due to start soon.  Also, the quicker it is completed the better, to ensure the safety of local people and their homes.” 

John Hurst-Knight, also a Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth West and Tasley, added:

“The safety of residents is of prime importance, therefore it’s important that we stabilise the rock face.” 

This work is being delivered alongside the Castle Walk and Steps enhancement project that forms a key part of Shropshire Council’s investment into Bridgnorth through the Market Towns Revitalisation Programme. The project will see various improvements made to the steps infrastructure, including resurfacing and repair, vegetation clearance and lighting, alongside the development of an exciting scheme to interpret and display the rich history of the steps and castle walk for the benefit of the town’s residents and visitors.