Powick Old Bridge is one of England’s most important medieval bridges. Over 580 years old, it is a Grade I listed building, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and the site of the first skirmish and last battle of the English Civil War. Yet despite its exceptional historical significance, it suffered a partial collapse in January 2024 after repeated build-ups of fallen trees and flood debris placed enormous pressure on the structure.

We believe this collapse was preventable.

Worcestershire County Council, as owner and custodian of the bridge, is investing millions of pounds of public money to restore this irreplaceable monument. However, restoring the bridge without installing a permanent system to prevent future accumulations of trees and debris would leave it vulnerable to the same threat that caused the collapse.

We are calling on Worcestershire County Council to work with Historic England, the Environment Agency, and other partners to design and install a suitable debris or tree catcher, or an equivalent protective measure as part of the restoration project.  We also urge for restoration work to start immediately.

This is a practical and proportionate request. A relatively modest investment of less than £1m in prevention could protect millions of pounds of public expenditure and preserve one of the nation’s most significant historic structures for future generations.

This petition is the first step in a broader community effort to celebrate, protect, and enhance Powick Old Bridge and its surrounding historic landscape.

Please add your name if you believe Powick Old Bridge deserves not only to be repaired, but properly protected.