A DILAPIDATED footbridge has received temporary repairs after the Independent highlighted concerns over its poor condition in our June paper.
The metal and timbered structure carries a public footpath across Chew Brook adjacent to the derelict Robert Fletcher’s Paper Mill site in Greenfield.
But wooden slats were in a poor state of repair while several railings were also missing.
Mick Scholes, spokesperson for Saddleworth South Liberal Democrats, is delighted pleas for help were answered by Oldham Council.
“We reported this problem, and it was very quickly dealt with, which is a success all round” said Greenfield-based businessman Mick.
“As a community-based party, we have long worked to improve footpaths and walking routes – not only as a green, healthy alternative to gas guzzling cars – but as a way of facilitating quality family time, and we have all seen a welcome growth in this during lockdown.
“We were instrumental in introducing the Oldham Way footpath; and we have a long association with the Pennine Bridleway.
“Unfortunately, for understandable safety reasons, there is now has a bridge missing in Uppermill, which we must ensure is replaced as soon as is practicable.” added Mick.
“I am now in correspondence with the legal services department at Oldham Council to see to what extent our local community can carry our minor repairs to footpaths, stiles and footbridges, and the powers we have as citizens to re-open illegally blocked public rights of way – a problem that has grown since the start of lockdown.”
A spokesperson for OMBC said: “Our highways team carried out a temporary repair of the bridge to make sure it is safe and useable.”
• Do you know any other bridges or footpaths in need of attention across Saddleworth? If so, email Trevor Baxter via trevor@localcommunications.co.uk
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