Phase two of Bridgnorth riverside enhancement project begins
The second phase of a project to enhance and improve Bridgnorth’s riverside is due to get underway today.
The riverside enhancement project has been developed by several organisations in the town after local people expressed concerns – through the Bridgnorth Town Plan – about the condition of the riverside, and about how it should play a much greater role in boosting the town’s economy.
The project is being led by Shropshire Council, in partnership with Bridgnorth Town Council and the Low Town Action Group. The work is being carried out by staff of Lewis Arborcare, Ringway, and Bridgnorth Town Council.
Funded through Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme, the cost of the project is approximately £100,000.
Phase one of the project took place in spring 2013, when the tops and branches of trees along the riverside were trimmed to encourage new growth.
Work being carried out during phase two of the riverside enhancement project includes the clearance of vegetation on the riverbank, installation of a new lifebuoy station, near the Old Waterworks, new kerbing and installing new timber, cast iron posts and rail fencing to replace the existing concrete post and rail fencing.
Extra warning signs will also be installed, and placing existing signs in more prominent positions.
Work is set to start on Doctors Lane to the north of the bridge today and continue until Friday 24 January. The road will be closed from 9am to 4pm each day.
Similar work to the south of the bridge will then be carried out from Monday 27 January to Friday 31 January. Again, the road will be closed from 9am to 4pm each day.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for market towns, said:
“I’m delighted that the second phase of this important project is about to begin, and that funding from the council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme has made the work possible. I’m confident that enhancing and improving Bridgnorth’s riverside will provide a real boost to the town as a whole.”
Anne Wilson, town clerk with Bridgnorth Town Council, said:
“We are pleased to be a partner in a project of such importance and in a prominent area of town. This overdue and much needed work is to be carried out to a high specification, and as part of the process the town council staff will be trained to maintain the area long term.”
