Go ahead given for boardwalk and bridge replacements

Photograph of Councillors Olivia Lyons and Phil Hewitt

Published: Monday 16th August 2021 | 12.11pm

Rugeley’s currently closed boardwalk, and bridges at Anglesey nature reserve in Hednesford and at Rawnsley Woods, are to be replaced by the Council following a review of all boardwalks and bridges in the District. It follows the completion of a new Corporate Maintenance Plan agreed by Cabinet.

Repair work to the Rugeley Boardwalk and the two bridges will begin during the current financial year with all the work expected to be completed in 2022/23.

The move follows a commitment given by the Leader of The Council, Councillor Olivia Lyons, and her Conservative Group to repair Rugeley Boardwalk, in particular, if elected to power during the May elections.

In the Corporate Maintenance Plan recommendations have been made for the prioritisation of maintenance works and replacement boardwalks and bridges over a three-year period starting from 2021. This follows an audit carried out by Council officers of all bridges in the Council’s ownership.

Many of the bridges owned are of timber construction and have a limited life span, especially when in close contact with water. Some of them have become damaged and in need of removal due to health and safety risks. Rugeley Boardwalk has been one such example of a necessary closure.

However, with the new Corporate Maintenance Plan and a new Asset Strategy it will allow longer term planning to be put in place for all bridge and boardwalk maintenance covering the life cycle of each of these structures.

Welcoming the commitment to prioritise this work, Leader of the Council Councillor Lyons said: “The bridges mentioned are an important part of the visitor experience at the nature reserve and Rawnsley Woods. There is nothing worse when visiting special places like these to find your route is impeded or not particularly welcoming.

“In Rugeley we have been campaigning for a while about the importance of the Boardwalk in creating an enjoyable entry into the town centre or as a departure from it, especially as we have some important opportunities coming up with the re-development of the former power station site and the Commonwealth Games. It therefore makes it important to improve the look and appeal of the town centre.

“The Rugeley Boardwalk takes in an attractive stream close to the shopping area. It has the potential to become a pleasant area for seating and relaxation, as well as being a nice route into the town centre and connecting with nearby green spaces.” 

 

Photograph:

Leader of the Council, Councillor Olivia Lyons with the Portfolio Holder for Innovation and High Streets, Councillor Phil Hewitt beside the currently closed Rugeley Boardwalk in the town centre. 

 

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