No cash for bridge repair

BRITISH Waterways cannot raise cash to repair a swing bridge over the Weaver so locals are appealing for government help.

The old and rusty eyesore—as it has been described—needs £4.5 millions to repair, that British Waterways are unable to find, though it has needed attention for over 10 years, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Deteriorating

Crossing the river at Sutton, it is estimated the bridge, that takes the A56 over the river, is used by 20,000 vehicles a day, and is rapidly deteriorating, but there is not the amount of cash available that it needs to repair it.

Sutton Council Chairman, Councillor Mike Pusey, complained:

"It's been dragging on for years and still nothing is happening. It's ridiculous how long it's taking but we are trying to drive it forward."

Breaking up

In the meantime Cheshire West and Chester Council continue to pay to repair the road surface of the bridge that keeps breaking up due to the shifting of the metal plates that need replacing.

A spokesman for British Waterways explained:

"British Waterways is struggling to find sufficient funding, and to justify undertaking painting work in isolation, so we are considering forwarding a proposal to Central Government for supplementary funding."