After fierce public protests against Peel Holdings holding Salford City Council and Trafford Council to ransom over the costs for maintenance and liabilities of the Barton Lifting Bridge, this afternoon the three organisations issued a joint statement on their current 'way forward'.
The councils and Peel have been involved in a legal wrangle over who will pay the estimated £150,000 per year cost of maintenance and liabilities on the bridge but today's very guarded statement explains that "Discussions will continue between all parties regarding maintenance and ongoing liabilities but the road and bridge will open upon completion of works and approvals being granted...
"The bridge which is still under construction is currently under the supervision of Peel's contractors, Hochtief Buckingham, and will remain so until the works are complete, including all safety checks" it adds "All parties anticipate that the works will be concluded next week. Approvals will then be required from the highways authority and Transport for Greater Manchester before the road and bridge can open to the public."
No-one is saying how long the 'approvals' will take, and no-one is saying whether Salford Council and Trafford Council have indicated to Peel that they may be willing to pay something towards the 'maintenance and liabilities' for the bridge.
All were putting a positive spin on the issue...
"Salford City Council and Peel Land and Property have been able to come together to agree to resolve our differences, and along with the support of Trafford Council we have agreed a way forward" said Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett "The planned opening of the road and bridge, subject to works being completed, will mean the road layout can then work as originally designed, easing current congestion...I would like to thank Peel Land and Property and Trafford Council for working closely with us to agree a way forward."
"This will be a really welcome early Christmas present to local communities, who have had to patiently endure disruption during the construction works" added Sean Anstee, Leader of Trafford Council "I'm really pleased we have worked with Salford City Council and Peel Land and Property to make this happen and the benefits will now follow to ease congestion for our communities in Davyhulme, Irlam and Cadishead alongside visitors to Intu Trafford Centre."
And a spokesperson for Peel Land and Property said: "We have been working closely with our contractors, as well as colleagues in Salford and Trafford councils. Together, we are committed to making the road and bridge available for public use as soon as possible, for the benefit of motorists, the local economy and communities."
For a background see previous Salford Star article... Salford Councillors Tell Mayor 'No Surrender' To Peel Holdings Over Barton Lifting Bridge – click here
Listen also to The Sounds of Salford Radio interview with Alan Whitehead of Force Peel To Open The Bridge - click here
Photo by Steven Speed
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