Trekelland Bridge Meeting

March 25^th 2009   Methodist Hall

 South Petherwin Parish Council was delighted with the response from  neighbouring Parish Councils and local businesses following an invitation to attend a Three Parish meeting concerning Trekelland Bridge and  vehicle damage/closure and preservation.   Over twenty five  councillors  and a number of local businesses attended the meeting, including councillors from  South Petherwin, Lewannick and North Hill plus District  Councillor Mr. Ian Jolly and County Councillor Mr. Neil Burden.  Businesses represented were P.R.Jasper Engineering, K&A E Moore -Hollyvagg Landfill Site and Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, South Petherwin Post Office & Stores and Farmers. Mr. A. Parsons (Lezant) and Mr. R.Dinnis (Trekelland-Lewannick).

 Mr Simon Lowry represented  Cornwall County Council, Highway Department as the  Structural Maintenance Engineer  for bridges. Unfortunately  Area Surveyor Mr Oliver Jones was unable to attend which left a number of questions from the floor unanswered.  

 

The Meeting was chaired by South Petherwin Parish Council Chairman Mr Phil Parsons. He gave a  brief outline of why the meeting had been arranged and its aim, that being to address the issues and options for the future  of  Trekelland Bridge with a  ‘Three Parish-Business’ approach. He then introduced  Mr Lowry  who gave a brief overview of  Trekelland  Bridge:

·        bridge type -  listed as ancient monument 

·        weight restrictions - does not have a weight restriction

·        current  plans for bridge - in the process of being drawn up including  signage / markings

·        repair cost -  in region of £35000 over the last two years. One successful insurance claim of £16000 had been made. He could not give an estimate of the present damage but no doubt it would be several  thousand pounds.

 

The meeting was then opened to the floor and many there had issues to raise, including the effect on their businesses and signage whilst bridge is being repaired.

Mr Paul Tucker  (North Hill PC) was concerned about visibility- trees blocking view from Lewannick approach, straightening of bend on Lewannick approach and re-routing of heavy traffic. Traffic lights were also suggested.

Roger Dinnis (Farmer) suggested a bridge widening scheme should be put in place.

Mr A Parsons considered the best long term option was a new bridge adjacent to the old one.

Sarah & Darren Hart (S.P. Post Office & Stores) had concerns with bridge closures i.e.  their takings drop by 25% whilst traffic is diverted. Better signage/wording is needed i.e. access to village open, on the Pennygillam round about.  Timing for works on the bridge i.e. Bridge closures during EASTER

“sensitivity to existing businesses to be taken into consideration when closures  are planned. Repairs to be done overnight if possible and re-opened during the day” closure of bridge would hit trade hard.   Traffic calming ideas such as rumble strips and cameras could also help along with changing the priority for oncoming  traffic  over the bridge.

Ruth Jasper (PRJ Engineering) and K.&A E Moore (  H.Landfilll site) were both concerned with bridge closures as, “business drops”, and there is an added “cost of fuel” . Mrs A. Moore stated that their landfill business dropped by                                                              “at least  50% and the holiday business was affected”.   

Councillor Ian Jolly also expressed concerns in relation to inadequate signage at  Congdons Shop and  suggested  selective weight restrictions for the bridge.  “Reducing the hedge height on the North Hill side to improve visibility on the bridge approach” was a final suggestion.

Mrs Pridham (North Hill Councillor) agreed with the idea of a new bridge. She also commented on the impact of bridge closures, “It means I have to drive to Launceston using another route, which I hate”.

Mr B.Budge (North Hill) was concerned that a new bridge would lead to more traffic and more congestion on  Berrio  Bridge road.

 Neil Burden (County Councillor)  explained the reasoning for the past bridge closure dates – highways in consultation with various groups had chosen   holiday time as there is less  business traffic  and  the school bus would not need to be rerouted.  Also, he wanted to know at what stage highways were  in drawing up new bridge restrictions promised in the winter.  He sited high curbs as a choice for aligning traffic as the bridge at Greystone had benefited by such a design.

 

In replying to all these concerns Mr Lowry explained  that the road closures, signage and timing was not his area of authority  but he would pass the comments onto both Oliver Jones and Cormac. As for bridge widening he considered this unlikely as it was a historic monument. Changing of signage, rumble strips, traffic lights, new high curbs along with other traffic calming suggestions he was ready to take these ideas back to the design team for further comment.  As for a new bridge he saw no reason  why this couldn’t be an option for the future. If there was enough support and future highway budget  included this project it could be possible.

The Chairman concluded the meeting by thanking Mr Lowry for his willingness to address the issues raised and  hoped that following the responses from the various agencies,  the parishes and businesses would be kept informed. Arrangements for another  meeting was discussed but not set.

The meeting closed at 8.35 pm