Villagers welcome bridge reopening

Dec 19 2007 by Ben Guy, The Journal

A NORTHUMBERLAND bridge that has been closed for almost four months reopened yesterday.

Wylam Bridge had been shut since the end of August while Northumberland County Council carried out essential repair work following a triple fatal accident last year.

But the closure sparked anger among local people, who were concerned at the effect of closing the bridge would have on business, journey times and the emergency services.

Tony Geary, a member of the action group that opposed the closure, said: “It has had a bad effect, with some companies down by 60% and the pubs have definitely been quieter in the evenings. People are delighted that it is open again but they are very upset about the structure of the bridge, which is not what people were expecting at all.”

Last month The Journal reported that the barriers put up on the bridge had upset villagers, who felt they were too large and not in keeping the village.

Mr Geary said: “It now looks like a motorway bridge and there have been jokes about putting barbed wire on top and having a guard’s tower. It will be a legacy that will last hundreds of years and it is a monstrosity.”

Norman Weatherburn, landlord at the Boathouse Inn, which is next to the bridge, said trade had been affected.

“Business has been down for people on both sides of the bridge. It isn’t the best looking thing either, but now we are just looking forward to Christmas and hopefully making back some of the money that has been lost.”

The £800,000 scheme has included replacing parapets, strengthening the deck edge, drainage works and improving road markings.

David Laux, divisional director for highways for the county council, said: “The closure of this bridge has been an inconvenience but a necessary one to improve safety.

“Local people will be glad to see that the safety improvements have been made and that the bridge will now reopen. We have worked hard to complete a whole range of improvement works ahead of schedule and have liaised with local traders and the parish council to keep them informed during works.

“We have listened to their concerns and done what we could to try to minimise the disruption this would cause, including special measures for parking, school and public transport, and emergency services.

“The most important thing is that the bridge now complies with modern safety standards.

“We would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and their understanding during the works.”

Brian Japes, chairman of Wylam Parish Council, added: “A lot of people have remarked how well the workmen have got on with the job quickly and efficiently to make sure it reopens on time. We do appreciate the efforts made.

“The new bridge may not look quite as attractive as the old one, but our view has always been that safety is the most important factor.”

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