£100k Bridgnorth riverside work flows into next phase
The second phase of a £100,000 project to improve Bridgnorth's riverside is due to get under way next week.
The riverside enhancement project will see vegetation cleared, new kerbing and fencing.
A new lifebuoy station will be installed and extra warning signs added about the dangers of the River Severn.
The new safety measures follow several incidents along the river including the death of Damian Southall, 20, from Wombourne, who died after getting into difficultly while swimming in the water over the summer.
The plans have been developed by a number of organisations after concerns were raised, through the Bridgnorth Town Plan, about the condition of the riverside and how it should boost the town's economy. The project will be led by Shropshire Council, in partnership with Bridgnorth Town Council and the Low Town Action Group.
The work, which is being carried out by Lewis Arborcare, Ringway and Bridgnorth Town Council, will be funded through Shropshire Council's Market Towns Revitalisation Programme.
Christian Lea, Shropshire councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts, said: "For a while residents have expressed concern over the general state of the riverside.
"The work, which is about to be undertaken, will vastly improve the riverside for residents and visitors to the town.
"I very much believe it will help to boost the local economy with more people being able to admire the wonderful riverside views once the riverbank vegetation has been removed and the tree pollarding work undertaken."
Phase one of the project took place in spring 2013, when trees along the riverside were pollarded, with the tops and branches being trimmed to encourage new growth.
Work is set to start in Doctors Lane, which will be closed from 9am to 4pm, to the north of the bridge on Monday and until January 24.
Further work to the south of the bridge will be carried out from January 27 to 31, with the road again being closed from 9am to 4pm.
Information notices and road signs will be posted about parking restrictions while the work is carried out. For further information about the work call Shropshire Council on (01746) 713165.
