Revamp for Welsh town’s Victorian railway bridge

A RAILWAY footbridge in Carmarthenshire which dates from the Victorian era is to be removed and refurbished.

Network Rail said it will spend £250,000 renovating the eye-catching structure at Pembrey and Burry Port station in a Cardiff workshop before replacing it.

A spokesman said the plan was to detach it on February 29 and complete the work by the summer.

The 137-year-old bridge will be strengthened, redecorated and have its deck replaced.

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Photos and video: Peter A Tully

Wanting to retain town’s heritage: Cllrs John James and Amanda Fox

Passengers must use the nearby pedestrian road bridge, which gives access to the station platforms, while the work is being carried out.

The revamp is a relief for county councillors John James and Amanda Fox, who represent Burry Port and want to retain the town’s heritage.
In a statement they said: “We’ve been liaising with the relevant agencies regarding the long-term future of the railway station footbridge and have had a commitment that a full maintenance programme has been agreed.”

According to the duo, the footbridge’s future was in jeopardy six years ago, leading to a petition and campaigning by Llanelli MP Nia Griffith.
This led to Network Rail upgrading lighting on the bridge.

Cllr James said the new £250,000 project would be welcomed by residents and passengers.

“This bridge means so much to all of us and to have this guarantee of refurbishment is a terrific boost for our town,” he said.
“We wish to thank everyone involved from the initial decision-making process through to the carrying out of the work.”