Bridgnorth trees plan to mark end of river project

The work, to open views and improve access to the riverbank in Bridgnorth, was finished at the end of last year following numerous delays.

The Bridgnorth riverside enhancement project saw four metre high brambles, Himalayan Balsam and self-set willows removed, while enough flora was kept in place for birds and mammals.

Funding was made available through Shropshire Council's Market Town's Revitalisation Scheme.

Replacement trees, donated by Lewis Arborcare, will be planted in conjunction with Shropshire Council's natural environment team on January 15.

The revamp had previously been delayed because of flooding and the bird nesting season.

But the council said feedback had been "very positive" now work by staff of Lewis Arborcare, Ringway and Bridgnorth Town Council had been completed.

Anne Wilson, town clerk of Bridgnorth Town Council, said: "As part of this project the Direct Labour Force all received training to work along the riverside, which will stand them in good stead for the future maintenance of the area.

"They also had the opportunity to learn new skills from Ed Lewis when they assisted him with the removal of the waste from the site as the project progressed.

"We look forward to continuing the good work that has been carried out."

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for market towns, said people who fished in the area had said some of the fishing pegs, which were now clear, had not been accessible for many years.

He said visitors to the town were also pleased views of the bridge and cliff railway had been restored.

"I'm delighted this important clearance work has now been completed and funding from the council's Market Towns Revitalisation Programme has helped to make it possible," he said.

"I recently visited the area, and saw at first-hand the incredible difference this work has made to the riverside, and to the views over Low Town.

"I'm confident that enhancing and improving Bridgnorth's riverside will provide a real boost to the town as a whole."

The riverside enhancement project was developed by several organisations in the town after people expressed concerns, through the Bridgnorth Town Plan, about the condition of the riverside.

Residents also wanted the riverside to play a much greater role in boosting the town's economy.