Funding secured for Aberbechan Bridge

Following a recent meeting between councillors and Council bosses funding has been secured for Aberbechan Bridge.

 

The bridge near Newtown was closed on January 2, after the council received reports that cracks had appeared.

 

County Councillor Russell George, who is also the Conservative Welsh Assembly candidate for Montgomeryshire has said that in a meeting with the Chief Finance Officer and the Head of Highways at Powys County Council, funding would be secured for the Aberbechan Bridge.

 

Councillor George said:

 

“I have had confirmation that the Council will fund the money from its reserves. The cost to repair the bridge could be anything between half a million to a million pounds.”

 

Design works are due to commence and discussions will now take place with CADW and the Environment agency to obtain the necessary consents for the works at the bridge to begin.

 

Councillor George added that the closure of the bridge has been a huge inconvenience to local people and that he was keen to be involved in finding a solution.

 

“The Environment Agency will not allow any works to begin until May which is obviously frustrating, but I’m keen that all the consents and contracts are completed so works can begin straight away.

 

“Listed building consent is also required but as the Council are not changing the appearance of the structure, I am hoping that there will not be any problems obtaining this.”