A Great Wall of Silence

From the archive, first published Tuesday 27th Sep 2005.

THE Roman emperor Hadrian had one named after him and Eton boys still play a game of that name.

However, when it came to size, no one could do better than the ancient Chinese who built one so immense that it would ultimately be visible from space.

Yes, we are talking walls. More specifically, the structure that has collapsed into the River Severn just downstream of Worcester bridge.

The problem is this. No one has stepped forward claiming ownership - and therefore admitting responsibility for vital repairs.

It's not us, say the county and city councils. Nor us, says the management of the Diglis Hotel.

And Severn Trent Water also insists that the collapse is nothing to do with work undertaken on the bank in 2004 when a similar problem occurred.

The extent of the damage is best viewed from Bromwich Parade on the opposite side of the river, where it is quite obvious that a chasm of some magnitude has opened up.

Meanwhile, railings have been erected to keep pedestrians from treading on the thin crust of path that covers the hole.

Thankfully, now that the tourist season has begun to wane, there will be fewer people obliged to negotiate this hazard.

But it may not be long before vandals attempt to cause mischief in this area. The possible outcome does not bear thinking about.

And yet we must. But first, someone must admit ownership so that work can start... before an accident happens.

Archive Home