Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Bridge closure latest.
It transpired that the 'safety issue' causing the closure was the fact that pleasure boat users have complained for the last few years (!) that the bridge is difficult to operate and BW have, on occassions, had to send someone out to help holiday makers on their way.

The BW rep was adamant that the bridge had to be closed now and it couldn't wait until the autumn.

Whilst not really accepting his line of thought three suggestions were put to him.

1. Erect a temporary scaffold type footbridge. A. The first reason for not doing this was disabled access. We were then told there isn't enough room and, finally, that it would cost too much. I suspect that cost is the real reason!

2. As a temporary measure, weld roller bearings to the underside of the far end of the bridge so that it can slide more easily onto and off of the abutment. A. This would be looked at to see if it was mechanically feasible.

3. Use all reasonable measures to minimise the closure period by condensing the scheduled timetable currently proposed by BW. A. Funding permitting this should be possible.

Really, the meeting seemed to achieve little but it did alert BW to the strength of local feeling, show BW just how much the bridge is used by walkers and cyclists, and allow the petition of over 200 signatures to be presented to the BW rep.

The bridge is due to close on Monday ...