Work will start next week to clean up, repair and re-paint the small footbridge that provides a direct route over Neath Canal for shoppers using B&Q Superstore and Morrisons Supermarket.
Neath Port Talbot Council, who are the owners of the bridge, have an agreement with both businesses whereby they share the cost of maintaining it. The bridge and canopy over the structure have been exposed to the elements for more than 20 years and a thorough refurbishment is now due.
The winning contractor for the work is Alfred Bagnall & Sons (South Wales) Ltd who have a branch office in Cardiff. NPTCBC Environment Directorate have prepared the contract and will oversee the works on site. Bagnalls will be erecting site facilities and scaffolding in the next couple of days and work should be well underway by Monday 25th October.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough, said, “This is a well used popular footbridge and I am pleased that through partnership working with Morrisons and B&Q we have been able to establish funds to carry out the much needed repairs. Investing now will protect the bridge from the adverse elements and enhance the appearance and will continue to provide easy access over Neath Canal for another 20 years.”
The restricted space available will mean that the bridge will have to be closed off while the refurbishment is carried out. However there will be a clearly signposted diversion route to ensure shoppers can easily find their way around. Every effort will be made to ensure any inconvenience is kept to a minimum and subject to reasonable weather the work should be completed by the end of November.
