IN response to the piece in the Guardian, April 3, ‘Peel should paint swing bridge”, I am amazed we have councillors with such an in-depth knowledge of bridge maintenance.

Peel has stated it will cost £300,000 to paint Stockton Heath bridge – but Clr Linda Dirir says this ‘seems far too high’.

Clr Celia Jordan also believes ‘there must be cheaper options’.

In what way are these councillors qualified to make that kind of judgement?

Do they have any experience of bridge maintenance? Do they have any idea of the processes involved in such an operation? Have they even asked Peel for a breakdown of costs? Or are they just giving an ill-considered response devoid of any factual foundation?

Like councillors Jordan and Dirir, I am no expert on bridge maintenance but I very much doubt it’s simply a case of getting a couple of blokes with ladders to nip down to B&Q for a few tins of emulsion.

It is true that the bridge needs painting, and it is also true that Peel should foot the bill, but if Clr Dirir is going into meetings with such a wishy washy attitude then it’s no surprise this whole issue seems as clear as canal water.

I expect councillors to pressurise companies such as Peel to carry out work such as this. But if they aren’t arming themselves with the proper facts and approaching these issues with a genuine grasp of the situation then we aren’t going to get anywhere.

DAN MOODY Stockton Heath