Tom cannot paint Weaver bridge

REGULAR readers will be well aware of the problems encounted by Tom Reynolds, who wants to repaint Sutton Swing Bridge over the Weaver, but it has to be put in perspective.

His intentions are sound, and he has gone all the way in even getting the expensive paint donated and a gang of helpers, but it is just not going to happen.

Commercially confidential

In addition to his repainting, he is concerned about the actual breakdown of the £4 millions that British Waterways say work would cost, but of course this is being withheld as being commercially confidential. He has been told that contractor May Gurney uses strict European Union  Procurement rules and it is the rates within that tender which are used for all Works on British Waterways assets, and publication of its tendered rates would put them at a disadvantage when tendering for other clients.

Tom Reynolds has suggested another company, the EBL Group, as a less expensive alternative, who have done work for British Waterways, with George Ballinger, Head of Engineering welcoming local contractors, and offering to arrange a meeting between the two companies if ideas could save costs.

Safety

However, as far as Tom Reynolds and his helpers painting the bridge, this will just not be allowed with George Ballinger telling him:

"I do understand that you feel passionately about the re-painting of the bridge but as I explained at the meeting the bridge needs a full refurbishment and this is what we have been working towards for the past few years.

"I would also take the opportunity to point out, as explained to you at length, that the safety of our staff, customers and volunteers is paramount. We do not believe the bridge can be painted without them being at risk and I make no apology for that stance. At the meeting you will recall that five out of the six attendees agreed that the risk was too high but did feel that some of the areas remote from the traffic could be addressed—such as gates and parapets."

Disruption inevitable

It was pointed out to Tom that though some disruption to bridge traffic during the work was inevitable, it was not stated that it would be closed for nine of 10 months, but that the contract was likely to be of that length, and that any necessary diversions were the responsibility and would have to be agreed by the local council.

No works was being undertaken to the mechanical or electrical operating equipment of the bridge.

Best results

George Ballinger told Tom Reynolds that British Waterways is committed to achieving the best results it can for the funding it has available and will continue to actively work with all parties to realise that aim—already having undertaken the design works and set down the painting specification for the bridge, explaining:

"British Waterways has invested heavily in recent years in the Weaver area with complete refurbishment of the bridges within Northwich and at Acton—all done in partnership with the council. A much acclaimed replacement bridge has also recently been constructed at the nearby Dutton Locks (pictured). You have my assurance that the refurbishment of this bridge remains high on British Waterways' agenda and we hope that all outstanding issues, including the shortfall, can be resolved."

It would seem that eventually the bridge will be repainted—but not by Tom Reynolds and his helpers.