Permission at last to repair Big Lock footbridge

Published: Monday, 28 December 2020

THE Canal & River Trust has at last received planning permission to repair the Grade II listed footbridge over Big Lock.

The footbridge over the Trent & Mersey lock at Middlewich was removed for repairs but has been waiting for planning permission to carry out strengthening work to the bridge, Alf Overton reports.

BigLockBrigeWork can start

As planning permission has now been given work can start on the needed repairs that will include stronger mesh and decking in addition to extra bracing to further strengthen the bridge.

Cheshire East Council did not give the required permission for the repairs to the footbridge after the Trust's first application, but a further ammended application has now been passed by the planning authority of the council.

Start repairs

The photograph shows the bridge being lifted out in June and transported to the Trust’s workshop. Work will now start on its repairs and eventually it will be brought back and fitted into position at the lock.