Paddington Arm closed

THE riots in the cities have taken toll of the wooden footbridge over the Paddington Arm at Northolt.

Arsonists set fire to the bridge that is now partly destroyed, resulting in boat traffic being halted, and the Paddington Arm closed, Alan Tilbury reveals.

This happened last night (Wednesday) and is believed to have been sparked by the city riots.

Concerned for safety

The damage was not serious enough for it to be demolished, but British Waterways is concerned for the safety of boats passing underneath.

The local council is responsible for the bridge's repair, and there is a chance that scaffolding will be erected to allow the reopening of the waterway, but no time scale has been given.