Big Lock footbridge worse than thought

THE problem with corrosion on the footbridge of the Big Lock at Middlewich is worse than was thought.

Then bridge on the Trent & Mersey Canal was closed last February as is it was deemed unsafe, Alfred Overton reports.

Removed in June

It was removed in June and taken to Canal & River Trust's workshops, where it has been discovered it was in a worse condition that first thought.

The bridge requires extensive repairs with stronger mesh decking in addition to extra supports to strengthen the bridge, that will increase its load carrying capacity.

New planning application

During the many events at Middlewich including its Boat Festival, the bridge carries a great many people, so the Trust has submitted a new planning application to Cheshire East Council for further repairs to the bridge,that is a Grade II structure.