Work on the construction of the replacement Shotley Grove footbridge is expected to start tomorrow.
Following final confirmation on legal land acquisition issues, Durham County Council has given the contractor notice to start with site works on Monday 4th July.
In March 2010 I reported on a meeting with the Trust and an officer from Durham County Council who was invited to look at the problem of water flowing down the footpath ‘the Cut’ from Briary Gardens to The Terrace.
Work has just been carried out to drain the spring water away from the path and the surface of the path has been stoned and re-dressed.
It has been suggested that the embankments be planted with Bluebells, Primroses and wild flowers.
Planning permission for the revised alignment of the new footbridge across the River Derwent has now been granted.
If there are no more holdups, construction may start on the 23rd May 2011!
A revised planning application has been submitted for the replacement Shotley Grove footbridge.
The revised plan shows a new alignment from the north end of the public car park crossing the river in a single span. Both a ramped and stepped access is to be provided from the public car park on the east side and the footbridge will land at grade on the west bank.
Funding for this scheme is available for this coming financial year. With planning approval, works should be able to start May/June 2011 and be completed in September. I’m also informed that Environment Agency approval is forthcoming.
In this week’s Advertiser there is an article about the footbridge at Shotley Grove. It explains why there is a delay in providing the new footbridge link to Forge Cottage and the riverside path on the Northumberland bank of the River Derwent. It appears that there are still ongoing disagreements between Ms Eileen Carr and Durham County Council.
For those that do not read the Advertiser, here is a link.
Shotley Bridge Village Trust 