Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies explored the possibility of a temporary solution to the ongoing loss of Llanerch Bridge when again raising the issue in the House of Commons yesterday.
James highlighted the problems the collapse of the bridge last January has caused for residents in Tremeirchion, Trefnant and beyond, and asked the Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, whether military planners could be used to find a solution until the bridge is properly replaced.
He said:
“Last Friday was the first anniversary of Storm Christoph and the sad destruction of Llanerch bridge in my constituency.
“This historic, grade 2 listed bridge spanned the River Clwyd, connecting the communities of Tremeirchion and Trefnant.
“Although Denbighshire County Council is considering options to replace the bridge, the process is complex and time consuming.
“Meanwhile, local people are left without a key travel route, so military planners could, I am sure, be used to advise on the possibility of a temporary solution.”
In his response, the Leader of the House of Commons, said that defence assistance is a last resort when responding to operational challenges, but added: “However, I hope that raising the issue in the House will put a little bit of extra pressure on Denbighshire County Council to get on with what it should be doing in relation to the bridge.”
Speaking afterwards, James said:
“Llanerch Bridge was washed away over a year ago now and there are no definite plans for a replacement yet in place.
“Losing this vital crossing was devastating for local communities and all are extremely keen for a solution to be found. I appreciate that doing so is complicated, owing to various factors, including the need to look at river re-routing to protect the eventual replacement bridge from threats posed by climate change.
“Hopefully, as the Leader of the House said, raising it in Parliament will reinforce to Denbighshire County Council the urgency of this matter and the need to make progress on sorting a replacement as soon as possible.
"I will continue to pursue any input that the Army's excellent military planners may be able to offer towards the challenge."
