Shropshire, 19th February - West Midlands MEP, Daniel Dalton along with Nicola Lowery, the Borough Councillor for the Ironbridge Gorge and the Geotechnics team at Telford and Wrekin Council recently met to discuss the achievements of the Jackfield Stabilisation project and the future works required to protect the Gorge.
Daniel seen first-hand the instability issues in the Gorge, as well as the causes, effects and previous schemes which have been slowly stabilising the area. Daniel also looked at other potential funding avenues for the next phase of the project, including the possibility of accessing new EU funds.
A significant investment of circa £20 million has already been made to deliver the current Stabilisation Works in Jackfield, which has successfully addressed the most active areas of the gorge.
However, as the Jackfield project draws to a close the attention is now on to obtain investment in the other areas of the Gorge that have suffered subsidence over many years to ensure the future and protection of the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is securedDaniel said: “The Ironbridge Gorge is an icon of both Shropshire and the West Midlands, carrying global significance. I will therefore do everything I possibly can at the EU level to find ways in which we can secure the next round of funding to protect this historic area and the communities who are directly affected by its geological instability."
Nicola Lowery - Borough Councillor for the Ironbridge said:
“This is a project as ambitious as it is robust and we are all grateful for Daniel's time and support.”
“If we are to progress then we will need advocates like Dan who understand and appreciate the special needs of the Ironbridge Gorge