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: 31/03/2025 14:27
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