MPs were updated on the chronic and serious land stability problems in the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire in a Westminster Hall debate which heard that, although £16.7m has been spent on studies in recent years, there is no funding for further investigation or remedial works.
Telford MP David Wright said work commissioned by Telford and Wrekin Council indicates around £80m is needed to stabilize a geologically young area with numerous documented land slips over the past 250 years.
He said one road is more like a rollercoaster than a road and services in some areas have to be laid above ground.
Planning minister Bob Neill agreed the issue is serious and that sometimes such problems are beyond the capacity of local communities to cope.
He said a structured, risk-based implementation programme is needed, supported by a rolling programme with smaller-scale investment of around £50m, spent at £2.5-5m/y.
The Treasury has decided this should be on a shared-investment basis, with the Council funding 40%.
Mr Wright said the Council would have to discuss how to find such funding, but he welcomed the Government's general commitment.
