PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are to study proposals for a new bridge over the Sankey-St Helens Canal at Fiddler’s Ferry to replace one which collapsed in September – cutting off businesses on a nearby trading estate.
The new bridge would be of a lifting design, which would mean boats would be able to one more navigate the currently disused canal – a long term objective.
A temporary fixed bridge has been in use since the original Marsh House Bridge collapsed, due to overloading, in September.
The site is close to the River Mersey and the Fiddlers Ferry Boat Yard – but is in a Green Belt location.
Planning officers are recommending permission be granted for the new bridge, although they admit it will have a superstructure above the bridge platform, making it more visible than either the original bridge or the temporary replacement.
However, they say the impact of the bridge on the Green Belt will only be very marginal and any harm caused will be clearly outweighed by the need to restore a canal crossing at the site.
The canal dates from 1757 and is one of the oldest canals in Britain. It has been disused since around 1963 but there are long terms to re-open it for pleasure boating.
PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are to study proposals for a new bridge
over the Sankey-St Helens Canal at Fiddler’s Ferry to replace one which
collapsed in September - cutting off businesses on a nearby trading
estate.
New bridge for canal crossing
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
