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The Ironbridge Gorge has a history of land-sliding. Formed at the end of the last ice age some 13,000 years ago, the over steepened slopes of the Gorge have been formed by incision and erosion by the River Severn. The Industrial Revolution that Ironbridge Gorge is recognised for is a major contributor to the instability of its slopes. The human influence of mining which has created voids, the loading of slopes with mine waste and the disposal of tile and brick waste along the river banks has caused them to be susceptible to river erosion and slope instability.
An increase in the frequency of flooding of the Ironbridge Gorge over the last decade and heavy periods of rainfall have increased the levels of groundwater within the slopes adding to the instability.
Telford & Wrekin Council has been proactive in addressing instability issues particularly over the last four years. Investigations have increased the understanding of the scale of the problem and revealed areas within the Gorge which show evidence of recent ground movement. These areas include the Wesley Road, The Lloyds, Lloyds Head and Salthouse Road in Jackfield. The land instability can be seen in the form of deformed and damaged roads, pathways and services or collapsed or damaged retaining walls.
The Lloyds Phase 2 and Lloyds Head Project are key stages in the management of instability, these projects are nearing completion but have included a substantial amount of piling and river bank revetment work which is evident in the photographic record. The finishing works to landscape the sites will effectively cover up most of the stabilisation work. Throughout the project the council has engaged with the public in “Drop In “ sessions to inform and to consult on the way forward, these sessions are very productive and have been very well received. This model will be used for future phases of work if some £86 Million can be secured for future projects to manage land instability.
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