Ferry across River Severn in Shrewsbury to continue
A ferry which has helped people across the River Severn in Shrewsbury while major £550,000 repairs were carried out to the town's Porthill footbridge will continue to operate once work is finished, it has been revealed.
A ferry which has helped people across the River Severn in Shrewsbury while major £550,000 repairs were carried out to the town's Porthill footbridge will continue to operate once work is finished, it has been revealed.
The boat will be used by staff at Sabrina Boats as a river taxi to help people reach major events on the West Mid Showground such as Shrewsbury Folk Festival.
The ferry had initially been set up to run while the footbridge was closed but organisers have today revealed it will be used after the bridge re-opens to the public next month.
The news comes after it was announced that the repair work on Porthill footbridge is on course to finish one week earlier than anticipated, meaning it will re-open on July 13.
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for bridge maintenance, said: "This is essential work which needed to be carried out to enable the bridge to remain open in the long term.
"While it is appreciated that the bridge closure will have caused some disruption and inconvenience, I am pleased that it is progressing ahead of schedule and everyone involved will continue to do all that they reasonably can to reopen the bridge as soon as possible."
The early reopening of the bridge has also been welcomed by Andrew Bannerman, councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill.
He said: "I think everyone appreciated the need for the closure of the bridge, but it has been inconvenient for many. We can look forward to the reopening of this increasingly popular route to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists."
And Anne Chebsey, councillor for Porthill, said: "All the residents and users of the bridge will be extremely pleased at how well the work is progressing."
The ferry has been running between the Quarry and the Boathouse Inn since the bridge closed in March.
As part of the relaunch of the service in its new guise, Sabrina Boats are running a competition to come up with a new name for the boat.
The winner will receive two tickets for a cruise, including a three-course meal.
For more information e-mail info@sabrina-boat.co.uk
