URGENT repair work needs to be done to replace ‘deteriorating’ parts of the Winnington Swing Bridge to ‘ensure it can continue to operate’.

That’s the problem with having a bridge that’s more than 100 years old on a key route through the town.

According to a planning report: “Due to the deteriorating condition of the bridge and its reduced carrying capacity, urgent repair works are now required to safeguard the structure and to ensure that it can continue to operate.”

READ MORE HERE > Urgent repairs planned for ‘deteriorating’ Winnington Swing Bridge

I fully realise Winnington Bridge is a listed structure but that’s of little consolation to the people of Barnton and Marbury who seem to be in danger of being cut off from the rest of the town (at least by the most direct route).

The bridge has served its purpose but surely the time has now come to replace it with one that’s fit for the 21st century, not the Industrial Revolution.

And that appears to be a view shared by River Weaver Navigation Society president John Tackley who said: “We now need a proper solution, as soon as possible. A new swing bridge, capable of accepting current traffic loadings, a few metres downstream from the existing structure.

“Maybe CWAC Highways will eventually bestir themselves to solve a problem that has been very apparent for many years and has been exacerbated by the extensive local estate developments.”

Hear hear, Mr Tackley, hear hear.