RESTORE IT, OR SCRAP IT

10 March 2005

I am deeply saddened to learn of the council's decision concerning plans for Swansea's Slip Bridge. They have decided to scrap the bridge, despite a majority being in favour of its restoration. Certainly a majority, from the letters on the subject published in this newspaper, which indicate that most Swansea residents want the bridge put back.

The Slip Bridge has been a (practical) part of Swansea for 90 years, and is rightly regarded as a part of our history.

The bridge consists of three parts, two stone abutments and the metal centre span. To save the metal centre span only and remove the abutments is a total waste of time and money, and the "bridge" will have gone. To save one part of the bridge only is a compromise to appease a few of the bridge dissenters and to save money, they say.

Strange this, when millions of pounds are suddenly available for a restored leisure centre.I remember back in 1960 when a previous council in Swansea was given an opportunity to preserve one of the famous Mumbles trains on that system's closure. They chose not to, and today we have just the cab of a tram on display in the museum.

Imagine the sight a complete tram on display would have made. Now this present council, having learned nothing from the past, wants to save a bit of the bridge.We have heard the smug comments of the previous Labour- led council on how they had the money to repair the bridge, and could have done the repairs in situ. Why didn't they?

Now the new council, having wasted thousands of pounds trying to reach a decision, wants to stick a large piece of metal on the promenade where it will serve no purpose at all!

They should put the bridge back in its original place or complete the destruction they have started.

Keith J Roberts
The Causeway
Skewen
Neath