The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has spoken of her delight that her work with the community is leading to the re-opening of Dolgarrog Bridge.
The pipe bridge has been closed to local users due to significant safety concerns. These included the deteriorating condition of the timber deck boards and the need to install additional measures to safeguard the water mains which supply water to over 9,000 homes in North Wales.
Following the initial decision by Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water to close the bridge permanently, Janet has been leading the response to community outrage, by organising, chairing, and driving forward actions agreed by the stakeholder group. Members include Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water, Transport for Wales, Network Rail, Mark Isherwood MS, Conwy County Borough Council, Cllr Greg Robbins, Cllr Austin Roberts, Cllr Tomos Jones, Dolgarrog Community Council, and local landowners.
The project is reaching an important milestone today as a drop in information event is taking place at Dolgarrog Community Centre where information and designs for the bridge will be on display.
Commenting on the progress, Janet said:
“When the decision was taken to permanently close Dolgarrog Bridge, it united our community in appreciation of the vital importance of the crossing.
“Since March 2021, I have been pleased to work with stakeholders from across Wales to have turned Welsh Water’s decision to close the bridge permanently on its head.
“In addition to re-opening the bridge, what our efforts are set to deliver is improved accessibility to the railway station.
“I would like to thank all who have been involved in reaching this point. I can assure you that I will continue to lead the stakeholder group to deliver the outcome our community deserves”.
ENDS
