Transport for Wales respond over Welshpool, Powys rail bridge

The issue of who is responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the bridge has been in dispute, with a number of different organisations responsible for different sections of the bridge.

They include the Highways Agency of the Welsh Government, Network Rail, Transport for Wales and Powys County Council, who have all been contacted by the County Times to clarify who is responsible for its upkeep.

Now Network Rail and Transport for Wales have issued a joint statement in an attempt to clarify the situation.

“We are aware of complaints from the local community regarding the inconsistent upkeep of the footbridge leading to Welshpool railway station," the statement read.

READ MORE: Confusion over Welshpool railway footbridge

"We would like to apologise to the local community and ensure them that we are working with all the organisations involved to develop a plan to maintain the footbridge for the long-term.

“Our aim is to provide a safe and welcoming walking route into the station that is accessible all year round. We will update the local community on our plan in due course."

As a result of the joint ownership, services such as gritting the bridge during winter months have been delivered in patches only, with no single group able to service the entire length of the bridge.

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The problem has been highlighted over the past week with heavy snowfall hitting Welshpool, making conditions on the bridge more dangerous.

The Welsh Government has also said it intends to work in a unified way on improving conditions on the footbridge.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: “We recently met with representatives from Network Rail and Transport for Wales to discuss concerns over the ownership and winter maintenance management of the footbridge.

“An agreement will now be drawn up to clarify exactly which body is responsible for each element of the structure.

“Meanwhile, Powys County Council has agreed to carry out gritting and snow clearance of the bridge’s footway, when required, as part of their duties to maintain Public Rights of Way in the Welshpool area.”