A Bridgnorth group has been given the go-ahead to start work on smartening up the town’s riverside. The first phase of the long-term programme of improvements drawn up by landscape architects Pleydell Smithyman will concentrate on the east bank, between Severn Park and the bridge, to provide a ‘better welcome’ for visitors to the town.
The Bridgnorth Riverside Enhancement Steering Group welcomed the news at a meeting on Friday that it can now start the project and use money from the district council by the end of the current financial year.
The council had in September confirmed a £50,000 allocation, under its Local Authority Business Growth Incentive Scheme (LABGI).
The first phase involves three priorities — one of which is a vegetation management plan including promotion of biodiversity, opening up vistas, removing invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed and more planting. Another is to provide additional signage, which will be directional and for interpretation.
Seating and interpretation material will also be provided at the front of the proposed Foundry Park, to commemorate the Hazeldine Foundry and the construction 200 years ago of the world’s first passenger steam locomotive, Catch Me Who Can.
“It is very good news that at last this project has received substantial funding,” said steering group chairman Dr Chris Jephcott. “We need to concentrate on items that can be delivered within the five months available.
“As the steering group is a district council sub-committee, its future under the new unitary authority is obviously uncertain, making long-term planning difficult, but we hope the value of what we are doing will be recognised for the longer term”.
The group will meet again in a fortnight’s time to confirm the details, following final feedback on the proposals put forward.