Hirst Mill Lock gets new bridge

It's been a long wait for the residents of Hirst Wood Crescent, but it's almost over. On Monday 29 October, a new bridge costing in the region of £240,000 will be installed over the Leeds to Liverpool canal.

The previous swing bridge failed unexpectedly in March this year and since then access to residential properties and the Saltaire Garden Centre, on the north side of the canal, has been difficult. The narrow footbridge spanning the lock remained serviceable, though access by car was only possible via Victoria Road and through the grounds of the Saltaire Sports Association, following a rough and unlit road.

The restoration of the bridge will be welcome news for the residents of Hirst Lane cottages and for the owner of the Saltaire Garden Centre and its customers.

British Waterways' contractor, Morrisons Construction Limited, will restore the bridge which has been specially designed.