Funding found to reopen army bridge after local anger
Funding has been found to restore a bridge in Wales which has been closed to traffic for seven years. Inglis Bridge in Monmouth which leads to playing fields at the Osbaston estate was built by the army in 1931 and is therefore the property of the Ministry of Defence.
The bridge which was well used by residents and parents and children at Osbaston Church in Wales primary school also closed to walkers last year due to concerns it could collapse following further inspection by structural engineers in September.
Delays to any remedial work have caused anger locally while Monmouthshire County Council lambasted the ministry for what it perceived as a lack of progress updates, leading to an extension of the closure for another six months once the current notice ends on April 3.
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But the council confirmed this week the Ministry of Defence has now obtained the necessary funds for the crucial repairs needed to reopen the bridge. It was understood, such was the forecasted cost of the remedial work, that building a neighbouring footbridge over the River Monnow was a consideration.
But the council's Labour leader, Mary Ann Brocklesby, expressed her delight at the news that work will now be carried out on the existing bridge. She said: "I am delighted that the money has been found to refurbish Inglis Bridge. The Monmouth community should feel rightly proud that their persistence in demanding a swift reopening has been fully met. We will all look forward to crossing the bridge safely once again." She added that the council will maintain its engagement with the ministry and the Reserve and Cadets Association in Wales to ensure it can "reopen as quickly as possible."
Cllr Sara Burch, the council's cabinet member for tourism, also welcomed the news. She said: "This is great news about the funding being found. Since the closure began in October the community has proven how they can use their voice to show how they feel about a key infrastructure. This was evident last week when we opened a form for residents to leave comments on Let's Talk Monmouthshire, receiving nearly 200 responses within just a few days."
Catherine Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire, said: 'This is fantastic news for our community. Inglis Bridge has long been a vital route for local residents, whether it's for families and children, cyclists, disabled people, or dog walkers. Reopening Inglis Bridge has been one of my main campaigns since becoming MP and through extensive lobbying of the government I'm grateful that we have secured this vital funding to restore pedestrian access. I will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the project progresses smoothly and on schedule. Thank you to everyone who shared their concerns. Through a massive team effort we've secured this crucial funding."
Last week a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "We are working with Monmouthshire Council and relevant stakeholders to reopen Inglis Bridge. The bridge is a listed structure which has been deteriorating for some time and a scheme to refurbish it has been approved. We apologise for any inconvenience that the bridge closure has caused for local communities, but public safety is the priority." The MOD has confirmed the intent to have Inglis Bridge reopened by the end of the year.
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