Popular Dog Walking Footpath Reopens Early Following Storm Claudia Flooding

Footpath WR-538, a popular dog walking route running through the International Hockey Centre on Droitwich Road, has reopened following flooding caused by Storm Claudia.

The footpath was closed on 14 November after floodwater caused a wooden bridge on the route to shift out of position, raising safety concerns for users. Initial assessments indicated the path could remain closed for up to six months, potentially until spring.

However, following representations from Councillors Karen Holmes and Mel Allcott, Worcestershire County Council Public Rights of Way (PROW) officers took early action to address the issue. As a result, the bridge has been repositioned and secured, allowing the footpath to reopen within a month of its closure, far earlier than first anticipated.

As this is the second time the bridge has been displaced during flooding, County officers instructed contractors to carry out additional preventative work. Steel rods have now been sunk into concrete to securely tether the bridge in place, reducing the risk of future movement during periods of high water.

Councillor Karen Holmes said:
“I was alerted to the footpath closure by a Facebook post and immediately contacted County Councillor Mel Allcott to raise my concerns. This is a well-used dog walking route and an important access to open space. Leaving it closed for six months would have had a real impact on residents, and there was also a risk the bridge could have shifted further over winter, creating additional problems and expense.”

Councillor Mel Allcott liaised with PROW officers and welcomed the swift response. She said she was delighted that the bridge had been repositioned promptly and that measures had been put in place to prevent it lifting again in future.

The reopening of Footpath WR-538 restores an important recreational route for dog walkers, pedestrians, and local residents using the International Hockey Centre grounds.