Essential works are being planned to a nature reserve to replace a damaged section of underground gas pipe, however it could cause harm to the popular site.

The work on Avon Meadows Community Wetland and Local Nature Reserve in Pershore, is likely to cause significant damage to the meadows but it is essential it is carried out due to the safety risk posed by the exposed and damaged section of a gas pipe.

Jim Burgin, Heritage Manager for Wychavon said: “We know this is distressing news and we all find it extremely upsetting as so much work has gone into creating the meadows not just from Wychavon and Pershore Town Council, but the wider community and of course the Friends – who work tirelessly giving up their time to support and develop the area for the benefit of visitors and wildlife .”

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“Unfortunately though, it is essential that Wales and West Utilities carries out this work. We have discussed the potential for alternative routes and methods with them that would be less invasive but we’ve been told due to the risk of continued river bank erosion this is the best option. It will protect the town’s gas supply and horizontal drilling is much less invasive than digging a trench which could result in two to three times more land being affected. Furthermore Wales and West Utilities have told us that the gas supply will be maintained throughout the works."

Wales and West Utilities have given Wychavon District Council and Pershore Town Council (joint landowners) advanced notice of the work which is expected to be carried out at some point during spring/summer 2020.

A start date has not been confirmed. It is expected that the works will take around 18 weeks.

Public access to Avon Meadows will be restricted while work is taking place.