Welshpool plea for canal footbridge

Fed-up residents are calling for a footbridge to be built over Welshpool's canal to cut down the 15 to 20 minutes it takes to walk into the town centre.

Residents in Little Henfaes Lane say they have to walk along the canal and over the main bridge above the bypass.

They have now written to the town council asking for a footbridge which would reduce the walking time to just two minutes.

Robert Robinson, town clerk, said town councillors were now set to walk the length of the canal to see if there was a suitable spot to locate a bridge.

He said: "We had a letter early this year from a resident on Little Henfaes Lane asking for a bridge to be built over the canal.

"They said that if there was a bridge it would be so much more convenient to pop into town by foot, rather than having to get into the car and drive.

"So, rather than take one person's word for it, we sent out letters to everyone in the area asking their opinions.

"We had 150 replies - 127 were in favour and the rest were against, mainly because they had concerns about it being located next to their home."

Mr Robinson said: "I have asked the authorities and there are various permissions you need, but we would go through that if there's a suitable location and the public are happy.

"We are going to walk the length of the stretch of canal and see if there's a suitable place, if we can agree on a spot we will hold a public meeting for residents and find out their views and take it forward."

Councillor Ann Holloway said: "We need to look at this very carefully and see what can be done, if anything.

"My only concern is that where we will find the money to fund this project if it goes ahead and how much it will cost?"