Work has started on renovating a footbridge over a stretch of the canal in Welshpool following a lengthy campaign.

After several disputes over ownership, a search for funding and a donation from a local businessman, the footbridge over Welshpool’s canal on Berriew Road is receiving some long awaited renovations.

Concerns over the condition of the bridge were first raised 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.

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Amid carrying out emergency repairs over damage, the town council spent over a year attempting to raise funds for a full scale renovation, dealing with a dispute which public group would be responsible for any repairs, between the town council, Powys County Council and the Canal and Rivers Trust.

In July 2024, the council received an “out of the blue” phone call 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.

Cllr Nick Howells, who received the phone call, said: “What a fantastic and generous gesture and donation to the Town and it's people.

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

With funding secured, the council confirmed that work on the bridge would begin as soon as possible, with the aim of completing the project by August 27.