Don't shut Southwold/Walberswick Bridge in Summer say Adam Robertson & David Beavan

Adam Robertson and Southwold District Councillor David Beavan are supporting alternatives to any proposed plans by Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Highways to shut down the Bailey Bridge between Southwold and Walberswick for essential maintenance during the Summer.

'Clearly the Bailey Bridge needs to be refurbished due to severe corrosion', said Adam Robertson, 'but this needs to be done after the summer holidays when it is least disruptive to the tourist trade which both serve Southwold and Walberswick. This should not in July and August when restrictions are lifted on social distancing, and when tourists will come to visit both places and could be faced a very long drive around".

This is why I agree with the www.change.org Petition to Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Highways asking them to relook at other alternatives, so residents and businesses are not severely impacted by the closure of Bailey Bridge, especially as they start to recover from the economic effects of Covid-19.

I will work with Beavan4Suffolk and support the Change.org Petition which has been set up asking for Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Highways to relook at other alternatives, so residents and businesses are not severely impacted by the closure of the Bridge, especially as they start to recover from the economic effects of Covid-19.

Adam's Facebook post on Adam4suffolk and people can add their name to the petition:

In November 2020 the Council committed funds to undertake major refurbishment works to the Bailey Bridge, connecting Walberswick with Southwold.

The bridge was temporarily closed in October 2018, following an inspection which deemed the bridge unsafe for use. The bridge then reopened following temporary repairs in December 2018, on the basis that the bridge would require more significant refurbishment works to ensure that it can remain open in the longer term.

Suffolk Highways has carried out an options study to understand the most efficient and effective way forward, ensuring the bridge can be kept open now and in years to come.

The refurbishment works are due to take place in 2021, however exact dates are yet to be agreed. Suffolk Highways will continue to work with members, liaise with key stakeholders and communicate timescales once these are finalised.

Whilst works are ongoing the bridge will need to be closed. Suffolk Highways fully understands the impact that a closure has on local residents and visitors, however it is essential to ensure the works can be completed safely.

Link:

Change.Org Petition

https://www.change.org/p/east-suffolk-county-council-fix-the-walberswick-to-southwold-bailey-bridge-before-or-after-the-summer-season?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_27751611_en-GB%3A6&recruiter=542913353&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=6778eaee32c84724ad294fccbbdbbc72

Sources:

Suffolk County Council Refurbishment of Baily Bridge

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