Ex-Mayor’s anger at Canal and River Trust over Potters Bridge
Cllr Nick Howells made it a mission during his term in office to make the bridge over the Montgomery Canal near Morrisons safe, and his efforts secured the funding, mainly from businessman James Potter, to get the £12,000 job done.
But in an unexpected rant at this week's Welshpool Town Council Property and Services Committee, of which he is Chair, Cllr Howells said the organisation responsible for the canal had become an unnecessary late hindrance when work was due to get underway in July.
“I feel I must say councillors that after all the work that was done in organising the scaffolding, the contractor, dates for different things to get the bridge done, and, to be honest, having refused any ownership of the bridge and not wanting to be involved,” he explained, “a fortnight before it was due to start, the Canal and River Trust was as awkward as they possibly could be.
“I spent at least three-and-a-half days trying to satisfy them with health and safety and environmental paperwork just to fix the bridge. They did not help us in any way whatsoever.”
The bridge came close to being closed due to its sorry state, and for several months last year, the Town Council struggled to find anyone to take responsibility for it, leading to Cllr Howells convincing the council to take responsibility to keep it open.
Mr Potter stepped in to save the day with a lion’s share of the funding, along with a healthy contribution from Powys County Council, but Cllr Howells said the job this summer faced last minute interference.
“I am really not surprised,” added Cllr Phil Pritchard, who wants the Town Council to take official ownership of the bridge.
Cllr Howells explained that the Town Council hopes to have an official opening in Mr Potter’s presence in the coming weeks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|