Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies has today expressed deep concern over Denbighshire County Council's reported plans to abandon the long-awaited replacement of Llanerch Bridge, a vital link between Trefnant and Tremeirchion destroyed by Storm Christoph in January 2021.
For over four years, residents and businesses have endured significant disruption due to the bridge's collapse. Despite a £750,000 investment from the Welsh Government for design work, a new report, to be presented to the council’s cabinet on 27th May, recommends the project be stopped due to the reported risk of disruption or contamination to the water supply for approximately 85,000 homes.
Mr Davies has consistently advocated for the bridge's reconstruction, highlighting the prolonged inconvenience and economic impact on the local community. He wrote to Denbighshire County Council in March calling for regular updates and a clear timetable for the construction work to begin.
He has today requested an urgent meeting with the Corporate Director of Denbighshire County Council, Tony Ward, to demand answers, make the case for the bridge’s replacement, and ensure the £750,000 of Welsh Government funds are not squandered.
Commenting, Gareth Davies MS said:
"I'm alarmed to see Denbighshire County Council considering scrapping the Llanerch Bridge replacement after so much time, effort and public money has already been invested.
"It's vital that Trefnant and Tremeirchion remain properly connected as diversions are currently driving up costs for motorists with residents also risking isolation when those alternative routes are disrupted.
"It’s astonishing that a bridge once built by hand can’t be rebuilt today, despite thousands spent and modern resources at our disposal.
"We must challenge this defeatist mindset and ensure the quarter of a million pounds of taxpayers’ money spent doesn’t go to waste.
“I’ve requested an urgent meeting with the Council to demand answers and accountability."