Monmouthshire Bridge Closure Sparks Outcry After Seven Years
Residents in Monmouthshire, Wales, are in uproar over the closure of Inglis Bridge, which has been shut to traffic for seven years due to safety concerns. The bridge, connecting the Osbaston estate to the west of Monmouth, has been off-limits to pedestrians as well, as structural worries have escalated. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) owns the bridge, a historic military structure designed by Charles Edward Inglis during World War I. While initially closed to vehicles in 2018, the bridge remained accessible to walkers and cyclists until last year when it was deemed entirely unsafe for public use.
Local residents, including school children and families at the Church in Wales Osbaston School, are facing detours of over a mile due to the closure of the bridge. Additionally, the community has been cut off from Vauxhall Fields, a popular recreational area. Frustrated by the ongoing closure, some residents have formed a campaign group and are advocating for either the repair of the current bridge or the installation of an alternative crossing.
Labour MP for Monmouthshire, Catherine Fookes, has been actively engaging with the MoD to seek a resolution. She emphasised the significant disruption the closure has caused to residents and highlighted the need for a viable solution that benefits the entire community. The local council has also expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in reopening the bridge, stressing the importance of keeping the public informed about developments regarding the bridge’s repairs.
Monmouthshire County Council has requested an extension of the emergency closure notice, set to expire soon, to allow the MoD sufficient time to carry out necessary repairs. The safety of the public remains a top priority, and efforts are being made to ensure that Inglis Bridge is restored to a safe condition for public use. While a refurbishment project for the bridge has been approved, the timeline for the repairs remains uncertain.
In response to the mounting pressure, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence assured that efforts are underway to collaborate with the council and relevant stakeholders to reopen Inglis Bridge. They acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closure and reiterated their commitment to prioritising public safety in the restoration process. However, the lack of a definitive timeline for the bridge’s reopening has left residents and officials frustrated.
Despite the challenges posed by the extended closure of Inglis Bridge, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution. As discussions between the council and the MoD continue, residents are eagerly anticipating updates on the progress towards reopening this vital link that connects them to essential amenities and green spaces. The closure of Inglis Bridge serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the impact it can have on local communities.