A footbridge over the canal in Welshpool has re-opened after work was completed to renovate the structure.

The crossing in Berriew Street was open to the public from Thursday, August 22, following weeks of repairs.

A large scale repair project was carried out following a lengthy campaign to improve the bridge after it was deemed unsuitable for use by the town council.

Kimberly Wright, the council’s events, planning, and market officer, said: “I am pleased to inform you that the canal bridge (Potters bridge) works are now complete.

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“The scaffolding surrounding the canal bridge will be taken down (on August 22), and the bridge can then be opened hopefully ready for the public to use as early as the afternoon.

“I think you will all agree a huge thank you is due to Paul and Councillor Nick Howells for overseeing the works and ensuring the least amount of disruption to the public.”

Concerns over the state of the bridge came to the councils attention in June 2023, with broken wooden panels highlighting the lack of maintenance, as well as the accessibility of a bridge that was proving difficult for people with mobility issues.

The renovation to the bridge comes after a lengthy campaign to repair it, delayed by disputes over ownership and a search for funding.

(Image: Josh Price)

While the council searched for funding, two emergency repairs were carried out on the bridge to make it safe for people to keep using it over the summer.

In July, the council received what Cllr Nick Howells called a “fantastic and generous” donation from business owner James Potter, who offered to pay the outstanding amount for the full restoration alongside a £2,500 grant from Powys County Council towards repairing the bridge.

At the time Cllr Howells said: “The bridge has served our community for decades and thanks to James, following the full restoration, will serve us for many decades to come.”

Potter Group said its director James Potter was "delighted to support a local cause by donating to help fund the rebuild of popular Welshpool canal bridge".

With the work starting on August 14, the re-opening actually comes ahead of schedule, as the council estimated works would not be finished until August 27.

An official opening ceremony will be held later this year.