LimeKiln Bridge on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal near Kidderminster has been modified over the years and will now be rebuilt using new attractive brickwork. This project will enhance the overall appearance and take the bridge back to its original form.
The project is supported by Wyre Forest District Council who negotiated £35,000, through an agreement with an adjacent housing developer towards the cost of the works.
Tony Harvey, head of enterprise from the Canal & River Trust, said: “LimeKiln Bridge is a really popular canal crossing point for walkers and cyclists from the local area but over time it has become slightly tatty and the metal bridge sides are starting to corrode and now need to be replaced. Using traditional heritage techniques we will be rebuilding the bridge walls using new brick which should closely match with the original 200 year old brickwork.”
Symbolic of the waterways
Councillor Anne Hingley, Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet member for place-shaping said: “It will be great to see this bridge restored and look more in keeping with the other heritage bridges in the area.
"Brick built bridges are symbolic of the waterways and the residents living at the new Bellway Housing Development are really lucky to have a great example of this heritage right on their doorstep. The bridge provides easy access to the canal for many residents that live alongside it and, once fully restored, it will be a much treasured local landmark.”
To mark the completion of the project special carvings will be etched into the brickwork to mark the year the bridge was restored. This is a tradition when building bridges and is in keeping with the bridges in the local area.
