Bridges and chimney restored

THE cast iron bridges and the leaning chimney by the Bath Flight on the Kennet & Avon Canal have been restored.

Though there was some opposition to money being spent during these difficult financial times, the bridges have been restored and repainted and even the chimney restored preserving its lean.

Manufactured in Bath

The two iron pedestrian bridges crossing the waterway were the first two structures to be manufactured in the Stothert and Pitt foundry in Bath. Specialist stone-masons repaired the stonework on the 1840 chimney, also replacing some of the steelwork.

David Viner, British Waterways' agency's heritage adviser, enthused:

"We are absolutely delighted with the results of this restoration work and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the experts who have helped us restore the bridges and rebuild and make safe the chimney."

The two iron pedestrian bridges are named Wash House Bridge and Top Lock Bridge.