In January 2021, severe floods associated with Storm Christoph largely destroyed Llanerch Bridge. The bridge is the responsibility of Denbighshire County Council (DCC). Since its destruction, I have engaged with residents, officers from DCC and numerous other stakeholders. There are many complexities surrounding plans to replace the bridge but a council commitment now exists to see the project through. I am concerned about delays and I will continue to seek a more rapid delivery of this important piece of infrastructure.
Llanerch Bridge connected the communities of Trefnant and Tremeirchion for over a century. It was a Grade II listed structure. During the floods, a nearby oak tree collapsed into the flooded river and destroyed the bridge.
I visited the site shortly afterwards, to highlight the importance of this bridge as a link between these villages and beyond (https://youtu.be/-5OlMC88Rvk).
I immediately called for a replacement through liaison with the council, by writing to the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, CADW and through raising the matter with the UK Government’s minister with responsibility for floods. I have since visited the site on several occasions with elected members and officers to stress the importance of replacing the bridge.
In the Autumn of 2021, DCC carried out a consultation exercise and I wrote to all local residents to encourage engagement. DCC’s Cabinet then committed in principle to supporting the replacement of the bridge. This was most welcome.
On the anniversary of Llanerch Bridge’s destruction, I raised the matter in the House of Commons (https://youtu.be/KR5KxA4mz-Y). Given ongoing delays, I wanted to explore the possibility of using the Armed Forces military planners to at least provide a temporary solution. Unfortunately, this was not possible although I continue to use all opportunities open to me to press the need for progress.
The council has now approved highly qualified and experienced engineers and contractors to work up its proposals. There are historical, environmental and road safety considerations and an intention to relocate the bridge slightly and change the contour and flow of the river to help prevent a repetition of the event (in the regrettable expectation of climate change related storms). This partly involves land purchase which can be a potentially difficult process.
The initial scoping stage (where the council chooses a preferred option) has been completed. The detailed design phase has also been contractually agreed and design works have begun. The design phase is expected to be complete by October 2024.
The Highways and Planning Departments and Natural Resources Wales will need to be involved as plans develop.
Local Government is devolved to Cardiff Bay. DCC will ultimately need to make a business case to Welsh Government to secure funding to implement the eventual proposal.
Works are currently expected to commence on site in February 2025 and last for 12 months.
DCC will be issuing quarterly newsletters with answers to frequently asked questions. The latest is available here:
It is clear that the economic and social value of this crossing requires a quick and sympathetic reinstatement. My main concern is the projected timescales to achieve this. While I do appreciate some of the constraints the council are working under, and their desire to help ensure a repeat does not occur, I have requested and been promised regular meetings with the council to scrutinise progress. I have made the point that I feel the timetable above should be shortened.
I have examined the potential for a new temporary crossing proposal with Cllr James Elson (Trefnant). While the council has rejected this possibility, it must remain a fall-back option should timescales deteriorate further.
