A HIGHWAYS leader said plans to repair a partially collapsed medieval bridge are on track despite the departure of a 'respected' official involved in the project. 

Cllr Alan Amos raised concerns about the departure of Highways lead Jon Fraser ahead of urgent repairs to Powick Old Bridge, saying he feared the project would descend into 'chaos' without his leadership.

However, Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport, said the project is on schedule and the loss of Mr Fraser will not affect the repairs to the grade I medieval bridge which is considered a vital part of Worcester's Civil War history.

The bridge was the site of the opening skirmish of the conflict, the Battle of Powick Old Bridge on September 23, 1642 and also played a role in the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651, the last battle of the Civil War. The bridge suffered a partial collapse of the wingwall at the end of January.

"There will be no change in the scheduled works. We have officers leave the council all the time. We (Worcestershire County Council) are a big organisation. We continue to deliver the project we're involved with," he said.

Cllr Bayliss said had Cllr Amos contacted Worcestershire County Council he would have been informed there was 'no change'.

"We are taking a serious and staged approach to rebuilding. The departure of one officer - much as Jon Fraser was well-respected - will make no difference to the delivery of the project." 

Mr Fraser is among those who did not take up its rehire offer after approximately 140 staff were fired last week with the option to be rehired on Monday, October 15.

He was due to meet heritage champions, including members of Worcester Civic Society, at the grade I listed bridge, constricted before 1447, on Thursday.

The last update, shared last month, was that a crane was on site lifting bags of stone (ballast) into the riverbed to create a dry working area, a key component in the long term repair of the historic monument.

Bags of stone placed together to form a ballast wall will safeguard the collapsed area of the wingwall from further damage, and allow the arch and abutment to be inspected further.

RECOMMENDED READING: Powick Old Bridge repair plan revealed after collapse

RECOMMENDED READING: Jon Fraser gone days before meeting about Powick Old Bridge

This recovery approach will also lead to a large proportion of the original stonework being reclaimed from the river bed. The wing wall will need to be completely taken down as part of the repair process, however, the rebuild will use as much of the initial stone and brick as possible.

The temporary works will be followed by detailed design of a permanent reconstruction, which is being worked on in partnership with the Environment Agency and Historic England.

The design will require further approvals ahead of final works next year.