Land Instability in Ironbridge Gorge

Work to monitor land stability in the Gorge is continually ongoing as landslips in the area are nothing new and have been happening for hundreds of years.

Following periods of heavy rain and flooding similar to that seen over the last few years the council continues to assess land stability through ground investigation and monitoring.

Investigation and monitoring work continues to inform understanding of the geotechnical challenges across the Gorge and any works that may be needed.

Telford & Wrekin Council has delivered stability projects totalling more than £33 million. 

The Jackfield area of the Gorge has a history of instability issues and was the focus of a major stability scheme undertaken in 2016 where historic mining voids were identified and filled along with steel and concrete piles to reduce riverbank erosion

Working in partnership to put a plan in place

Whilst monitoring and stabilisation work is undertaken, plans must be in place for any sudden movements. Over hundreds of years, the Gorge area has experienced landslips which can be confined to a local area or cover wider areas and cause disruption.

Landslips are rare and continued monitoring and stabilisation minimise the risk but it is important that, together with several partner agencies, we work together to identify locations where land instability may cause future ground movement. With this in mind, partners have developed an emergency plan which would be used to respond to an incident.

This plan has been written in partnership with emergency services, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, the Environment Agency, voluntary sector and utility companies. 

Notwithstanding all of the work taken place to date, large areas of the Gorge are still at risk of movement and are subject to regular and on-going monitoring.

What can you do? 

If you notice any of the following listed issues, please report it to highways@telford.gov.uk and if possible to include a picture and the location using WhatThreeWords. To find out your What Three Words Location visit the WhatThreeWords webiste.

All reports received will be investigated as part of our ongoing monitoring of The Gorge.

What to look out for….

• cracks in paths or pavements
• distortion of surfaces
• cracked, bowed door leaning walls
• garden movement trees or soil sliding
• severely leaning trees
• disruption to utilities.

Structural changes to your property or land

It is important to make sure that any changes to any building land or property within the Ironbridge Gorge does not adversely affect the stability of the area and is not itself vulnerable to the presence of unstable land. Please see Telford & Wrekin Council's Planning Website for up-to-date information.

Last updated : 1 April 2025

Should it be identifed that there is a high risk of a landslip occuring, you may be asked to leave your property. 

If you are asked to leave your premises, please do so immediately – it is for your own safety

Preparing for an evacuation

If you think you would require assistance evacuating should you be asked to do so, then please complete this form.

All information will remain confidential and only be used in an emergency.

For your own safety please do not panic

If you need to evacuate your home you should consider taking the following items with you where possible in a small holdall.

• Key documents such as passport, driving license your personal emergency contacts list, insurance details and pet vaccination certificate
• All medication needed
• Mobile Phone/charger
• Any special items for babies, children elderly and disabled
• Spare set of keys (Home, car, office)
• Bank cards/cash
• Change of clothes and sensible footwear

Download the leaflet ‘Plan for the Unexpected’ from our website with details on how you and your family can prepare for emergencies (.pdf Size: 4310Kb) .

Pets

All pets will need to be evacuated with owners. Download a copy of ‘Plan for your animals’.

This leaflet will give you advice about planning for your animals in the event of an emergency

Emergency Accommodation

It may be unsafe for you to return to your property for a period of time. The Council would urge residents to seek lodging with family and friends, outside of the Ironbridge Gorge. If you have nowhere to safely go, the local authority will provide a reception centre for temporary accommodation. You are advised to discuss such arrangements with family and friends in advance of any situation as part of your own personal emergency response.

Short term arrangements:

The reception centre will provide a warm, dry setting where immediate welfare needs can be met, ensuring you and your family are accounted for and that you have access to appropriate support e.g. medication.

Long Term Arrangements:

Costs for emergency accommodation will not be covered by the Council however, this may be covered by your home insurance and you should check your policy carefully for details.

If your home insurance does not cover emergency accommodation, then you may require support from the council in co-operation with local housing providers to re-house you. In such a case, you should contact the Council’s Homeless – Temporary Accommodation Service as soon as possible, when flooding has occurred on 01952 381925.

View information about homelessness.

Last updated : 1 April 2025

Engineering Services team

Telephone: 01952 384000
Email: highways@telford.gov.uk

Last updated : 1 April 2025