Hopes of fast work on bridge

Friday 12th June 2009, 12:13PM BST.

Hopes have been raised that a bridge near Shrewsbury could be reopened far sooner than the five months originally feared.

Traders said the closure of the 100-year-old Minsterley Bridge would kill their businesses if it closes for too long for strengthening work.

Shropshire Council had said the work to strengthen the structure, which carries the B4387 Horsebridge Road over Minsterley Brook, would take three months.

But last week it emerged it would take five months which sparked concerns from shopkeepers. Today David Leeson, chairman of Minsterley Parish Council, said: “I’m hopeful that it won’t take five months. I’m hopeful it will be weeks rather than months.”

Martin Allard, Shropshire Council’s head of strategic highways and traffic, said: “Work is programmed for February 2010 and could continue for a period of five months.

“We will be working to complete this scheme as soon as possible keeping the use of a temporary bridge and any impact on local businesses to a minimum.”

View more: Minsterley news, Shrewsbury news.