'Appalling state' of Gloucester & Sharpness Canal bridge causing great concern

THE CONDITION of the Lower Hempsted Bridge on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is causing great concern.

It is described by residents  as being in an 'appalling state', and so they are calling for urgent repair work to be carried out, Janet Friend reports.

Provide pedestrian access

Lower Hempsted Bridge provides pedestrian access over the canal, but the tarmac on the structure is wearing away and exposing the wooden foundations. It is so bad that it is currently closed for safety reasons.

The Hempsted Residents Association has been urging both the Canal & River Trust and Gloucestershire County Council to get the bridge repaired, but tell that no work has been undertaken.

In its statement, the trust tells it has approached the county council to discuss the repairs that are urgently required.

Though it is the  council that is responsible for maintaining the surface of the bridge, it is the trust that is in charge of the structure and mechanisms that allow it to open and close for passing boats.

Over three years

But Dave Bucknall, of the Hempsted Residents Association, complained:

"For over three years we've been petitioning to Highways, the council, the Canal & River Trust, local MPs past and present and councilors—they've all said it's going to be done, but we're yet to see any work.

"The bridge has got worse and worse."

After an inspection on Tuesday, Gloucestershire County Council closed the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists. In a statement, a spokesperson told:

"We are currently assessing temporary options to reopen the bridge to pedestrians again. Once we have an approved option, we will work with the Canals and Rivers Trust [Canal & River Trust] to agree an installation date."

It remains operational for passing boats.