Landslip cost hits £500,000

The costs of shoring up sliding land which is threatening to engulf bungalows in Bewdley could total as much as £500,000, it was revealed today.

Engineers say the landslip at Northwood Lane, caused when severe flooding washed away part of the track of the Severn Valley Railway, is still moving and stress cracks have appeared in the road surface.

For more than a week they have been carrying out tests to determine whether to force a controlled landslide or try to stabilise the bank.

Engineers believe they can do this by constructing a barrier made of rocks in front of the hillside.

Meanwhile, families from four chalet bungalows beneath the hillside and one from above have been evacuated from their homes and have either been rehoused or are staying with relatives.

They have been told it could be two to three months before they can return.

Emergency planning officer Andrew Dickens said: "Unfortunately further movement has been noticed at the bottom of the hillside.

"Engineers met yesterday and have decided they may be able to stabilise it but this will be a big engineering project and could cost up to £500,000 with the Severn Valley Railway picking up the bill."