The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has provided an update of the progress made to reopen Dolgarrog Bridge, following a recent virtual meeting with stakeholders including Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water, Conwy County Borough Council, and local landowners. 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.
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, I have been pleased to work with stakeholders from across Wales and have once again pulled key parties together in a virtual meeting to find a positive way forwards.
“Vitally, during this meeting all stakeholders agreed that we should see accessibility and access increased to the station. This would see low lighting and disability access considered as part of the feasibility study, helping to support active travel and being conscious of the surrounding environment.
“Although the pipe bridge is not a designated right of way, all stakeholders are committed to undertaking works which will see this route improved and reopened. Whilst it is not possible to confirm when the pipe bridge will reopen, urgent work is taking place behind the scenes to keep the wheels of change moving.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Those present at the meeting, chaired by Janet Finch-Saunders MS, included Robin Millar MP, Ian Christie (Dwr Cymru), Lee Robinson and Lowri Joyce (Transport for Wales), Glyn Evans (Active Travel Advisor), Cllr Greg Robbins (Cabinet Member), Andrew Wilkinson (CCBC), Cllr Austin Roberts, Cllr Samantha Cotton, Cllr Dafydd Williams, Cllr Philip Evans, Stephen Phillips (Landowner), Andy Ainscough (Adventure Parc Snowdonia), Richard Brunstrom (Snowdonia Society), John Mather (Cycling UK), Dafydd Trystan (Active Travel Wales Board), and Gwen Thomas (Sustrans).
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
