Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Dialogue continues between British Waterways and WCC.
"Dear Phil,

Please allow me to introduce myself as the Rights of Way and Land Charges Manager at Wiltshire County Council. Steve Leonard, my Area Rights of Way Warden, kindly gave me your contact details. Steve tells me that you met with him on 18th April this year to discuss the need for repairs to the bridge at Semington and the most appropriate alternative route.

I am aware from an article in the Wiltshire Times on 27th June that your colleague Will Burnish met Andrew Murrison MP, Wiltshire County Councillor Mr. Ernie Clark and a number of local residents shortly before the closure in order to explain the need for bridge repairs and the proposed timetable. That meeting did not, unfortunately, satisfy local people that the immediate closure of the bridge was necessary, not that it needed to be for such a long period.

The County Council has over the last few weeks received a considerable amount of correspondence in protest at our agreeing to make the closure order. We have responded individually to each correspondent, explaining your company's position as we understand it to be, and our own situation, but we have been unable to satisfy the complaints.

I have been asked by the Director of Environmental Services to firstly covene an update meeting at which a representative from British Waterways should be present, and secondly to ask whether there is a way in which British Waterways could provide regular updates on progress so that local people can be kept informed.

Please could you let me know whether you or Will Burnish would be willing to attend a progress meeting and if so could you suggest some dates that would be convenient? Evenings would probably be best, to give as many people as are interested the best opportunity to attend, but if you are confined to daytime meetings I am sure that it would still be worthwhile.

I note from your website that there are details of restrictions currently in force on waterways, where they affect access by boat, but that these do not include information about interruptions such as temporary closures of public rights of way crossing waterways. Could this be something that could be added? I have in mind the provision of information similar to that which our own Bridge Engineers place on the County Council's website on a weekly basis, as per the attached file. If this is not possible, could there be a local newsletter or public site notice issued on a regular basis?

There is a further idea that has arisen from the Wiltshire Times article. The alternative route promotes use of the public bridlleway on the south bank of the canal leading west to the bridge at Whaddon Lane, Hilperton. Access between the road and the canal at that location is, unfortunately, by a steep informal path which less able people find difficult to use. Could this be improved with the addition of a handrail and perhaps some steps and improved surfacing? I don't think there is enough space for the type of ramped access that exists at the road bridge in Semington village, but there is probably enough room for sufficient measures to make access easier and safer. We would be pleased to work with you on this.

Please could you let me have your thoughts on these suggestions at the earliest opportunity."