Long-awaited work to start on Bridgnorth steps
A councillor has expressed his delight after repairs are finally set to get underway to steps in Bridgnorth, which he says have been long overdue.
Christian Lea, who represents Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts for Shropshire Council, has been calling on the authority to get on with repairs to the Wellmeadow steps in the town, which have been closed for the last nine months.
Repairs can now get underway after a second quotation for replacement steps has been received and Shropshire Council has placed the order with Kier, the contractors, for the work to be carried out as soon as possible.
The steps run from Springfield on the Wellmeadow Estate up to Kidderminster Road.
Concerns were raised about loose treads in July last year and the steps were closed following an inspection.
Councillor Lea said he had been told by the authority that the work needed to fix the steps had been deemed "specialist" and the council's highways contractor required two quotes before proceeding.
Since then, the closure has raised concerns that some elderly residents have become isolated in their homes due to the alternative route being too far for them to walk.
A petition has also been set up by residents regarding the closure which has gathered more than 80 signatures.
Councillor Lea said: "Having received a second quotation, Shropshire Council has now been able to proceed with placing an order for a replacement set of steps for residents of the Wellmeadow Estate.
"The closure of these steps for the past nine months has been a huge inconvenience for many residents and having to walk the much longer route up the hill out of Wellmeadow has proven to be difficult for more elderly residents.
"I am actively chasing Shropshire Council’s highways department for a date that the works will commence and as soon as I have been informed, I will let residents know accordingly.”
