SLIP BRIDGE IN PAINT JOB FOR MOVE TO PATH

SIAN DAVID - 20 May 2005

The first phase of work to restore Swansea's landmark Slip Bridge will begin this weekend. The bridge will be repaired, cleaned and painted before it is transferred to its new home along the seafront.

The work is expected to take six weeks to complete.It will be the final chapter in a saga that has been continuing for almost 18 months.

The landmark bridge spanned Oystermouth Road for almost 100 years, but was removed to the Recreation Ground in Mumbles Road over a year ago, following concerns over the condition of its structure in December 2003.

Pieces of the bridge were falling on to passing traffic below.The move aroused strong feeling among residents on whether it should be saved or scrapped.

A £35,000 public consultation on what to do with the landmark failed to reach a consensus.It was decided last month to relocate the landmark to the foreshore cyclepath, opposite the Recreation Ground where it currently stands.

Anthony O'Sullivan, head of transportation and engineering for Swansea Council, said today: "We have recently appointed specialist bridge contractors who will undertake a number of jobs."Work will include steel repairs, cleaning and painting to ensure the bridge is restored, bringing the structure back to life."

A secure compound will be built around the bridge while the work is being carried out, which means that some car parking spaces at the Recreation Ground will be temporarily lost.

The council has advised drivers to use parking facilities at the university, County Hall or the city centre while the work is carried out.

John Hague, cabinet member for the environment, said: "This is an exciting project which will give the bridge a new lease of life.

"It will remain a prominent and striking feature of Swansea Bay.

"The bridge will be preserved for walkers and cyclists and will also be used by the popular land train as part of its extended route."