Deteriorating Saddleworth bridge to be partly replaced

A 25-year-old bridge in Saddleworth is to be partly replaced after becoming weak and rotten over time.

The bridge, which was erected in 1995, is over the River Tame, which runs through the village of Friezland. 

As it had become rotten and in need of replacing, its deteriorating condition was brought to the attention of Oldham Council by Saddleworth South councillor Graham Sheldon. 

Cllr Sheldon, along with his fellow Saddleworth parish councillor Max Woodvine, attended the site with a Senior Technician of Structures & Drainage from the council - which coincidentally was the same officer that had originally designed the bridge. 

The bridge, located near Well-i-Hole farm, forms part of a Right of Way and is going to be replaced in part to keep the popular route open to the public.

Another 'wobbly' bridge on nearby Footpath 280 has also been repaired by the Canal & River Trust.

Cllr Sheldon, who will take over as Conservative leader on Oldham Council when veteran John Hudson retires, said: “This is a well trodden path by village folk so we must ensure the bridge is as safe as possible, it has become weak with age.

"It won’t be cheap to replace but people pay a premium to live in Saddleworth so we must get it sorted. I have also reported a water leak on the route; a councillor’s work is never finished." 

Main image:

Councillors Graham Sheldon (left) and Max Woodvine on the bridge.