CASH is in the pipeline for long-awaited work to spruce up Bridgnorth’s riverside. A meeting was being held this morning to examine the funding opportunities that have materialised.
Town Councillor Iain Seivewright, who proposed a long-term strategy to the riverside enhancement group, said that if all went well the first phase of a programme should be in place by March, in good time for the visitor season.
“Hopefully the strategy will address a number of problems, including stabilising the riverbank by planting additional vegetation. Once it becomes established, it will provide enhanced protection against flooding, as well as improving the visual look of the area.
“The programme also involves eliminating invasive species such Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed and installing interpretive panels. The enhancement is long overdue to an area that needs a bit of TLC.
“It is vital for the volume of visitors who come into the town from on Severn Park and from the Severn Valley Railway,” said Councillor Seivewright.
“We now have opportunities for funding and we are waiting for details,” said Dr Chris Jephcott, chairman of the riverside enhancement group.
He said work on the river banks, to Foundry Yard — where the civic society have mounted a plaque to steam railway pioneer Richard Trevithick — and to more signs for Severn Park was needed.
“We have done a lot of spadework and we want to see the strategy implemented,” said Dr Jephcott.