Two local Labour AMs have welcomed the recent announcement that a historic bridge over the Rhymney River will be awarded grant funding for restoration.
The Iron Bridge, Draethen, will benefit from a reinstatement and restoration programme after £45,100 was awarded to Newport City Council by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the work.
Newport will work with Caerphilly County Borough Council, Ruperra Conservation Trust, Rumney District Historical Society and South East Wales Racial Equality Council to carry out research for the project, which will see the reinstatement of the Iron Work Bridge superstructure, including the stone parapet walls.
Rosemary Butler, Labour AM for Newport West said: “I am delighted that this bid has been successful. This is an early example of a cast iron bridge, and it is an important symbol from our industrial past.
“The bridge is in a very historic area and there are close associations with the Tredegar Estate which played such an important part in the development of Newport. It also links my constituency with our friends and neighbours in Caerphilly.
“It will be money well spent.”
Jeff Cuthbert, Labour AM for Caerphilly, said: ‘It is excellent news that this historic bridge has been awarded restoration funding.
“I am also pleased that the organisations involved will involve the local community in the project by running on-site information boards, historical guided walks and school education packs.’
