Town's 'Longbridge' to receive maintenance

The state of Newtown's Longbridge that spans the River Severn is to form part of Powys County Council's maintenance work plan, it has emerged.

There had been concern over the state of the bridge at Longbridge Street, which has been taken to a senior county council Cabinet member and who has assured that the bridge is part of a work plan.

Councillor Liam Fitzpatrick, Cabinet Member for Highways, has also assured local Newtown county councillor, Mark Barnes, that parking issues in Crescent and Bryn streets will also be addressed.

The matters were raised at a meeting held between the two.

In recent months the state of Newtown's Longbridge, which links Crescent Street and Broad Street over the River Severn, is in need of maintenance, as well as possibly repainting.

This comes as residents in the area have also had their vehicles towed away while parked in the Crescent and Bryn street areas due to parking issues.

“It was useful and productive meeting discussing issues around resident’s concerns about parking in Crescent Street and Bryn Street in the town, and future maintenance plans for Longbridge, said Councillor Fitzpatrick.
 
“I am hoping that a recent lifting of a moratorium on new permanent traffic regulation orders could be a useful mechanism to address concerns, but like all schemes any changes will have to be carefully assessed, prioritised against others and the subject of public consultation.”
 
Councillor Barnes responded; “I was grateful that the cabinet member and I were able to discuss my concerns for the town. I’m pleased that we will be working together to do our utmost to be able to find a solution which satisfies local residents.”
 
Councillor Barnes added “The importance of Longbridge as an asset for the town was acknowledged and I’m pleased to say that maintenance of the bridge is in the Council work plan.”

Photo: Longbridge over the River Severn in Newtown ©OwainBetts