Residents of Forge Mews in Bassaleg, Newport, have been facing a significant challenge for the past four years due to the closure of the Old Bassaleg Bridge in August 2021. The closure was prompted by concerns over the safety of the bridge following structural damage. Despite efforts by the Newport council to find a solution, including endorsing a proposal to replace the bridge with a new one in October 2023, the residents remain cut off with no end in sight.
The closure of the bridge has had a profound impact on the residents of Forge Mews. Sarah Williams, a resident of the street, highlighted the difficulties she faced in selling her home and carrying out renovation work due to the lack of vehicle access. The situation has not only affected the residents’ daily lives but has also had financial repercussions, with the value of their homes depreciating and car insurance costs rising as they are forced to park away from their properties.
The uncertainty surrounding the timeline for the bridge replacement has added to the residents’ frustration. Lisa Grant, another resident, suggested that those living in the street should receive a reduction in council tax to compensate for the inconvenience they have been enduring. The fact that the condemned bridge had been inspected by the council several times over the years only adds to the residents’ dissatisfaction with the situation.
Newport council has been actively seeking funding to commence the construction of a new bridge, with a bid submitted to the Welsh Government after funding was provided for the design phase. However, the council acknowledges that the construction process could take at least three years once funding is secured. In the meantime, pedestrian access to Forge Mews is still available via the existing bridge, and parking spaces have been allocated on the other side of the River Ebbw. The council has also ensured emergency access to Forge Mews from the A467.
The residents of Forge Mews have shown remarkable patience and understanding throughout this challenging period. While they await a resolution, they continue to cope with the limitations imposed by the bridge closure. The saga of the Old Bassaleg Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role that infrastructure plays in the daily lives of communities and the far-reaching consequences that arise when such infrastructure is compromised.
As the residents of Forge Mews navigate through this prolonged period of uncertainty, the council’s efforts to secure funding and expedite the construction of a new bridge remain crucial. The hope is that a resolution will be reached soon, allowing the residents to regain access to their homes and restore normalcy to their lives. In the meantime, the residents’ resilience and solidarity serve as a testament to their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.