A funding request must be urgently granted to enable a new much-needed bridge to built in Newport, the area’s MS said this week.
Residents living in Forge Mews have been left cut off from the rest of the city with no vehicular access since Old Bassaleg Bridge closed more than 2 years ago.
The bridge was deemed to be unsafe beyond repair with Newport City Council deciding a new bridge would have to be built.
Natasha Asghar MS, who represents the area in the Welsh Parliament, has been pushing the city council to crack on with the work to end the long-running saga for locals.
Council chiefs have now confirmed a funding request has been submitted to the Welsh Government to pay for the works.
Natasha this week urged the government’s local government and finance minister to “give this funding request the green light so work can begin.”
The South East Wales politician told the Welsh Parliament: “Ultimately the power to end this nightmare for residents lies in the hands of this government.
“For so many residents, it is imperative the Welsh Government gives this funding request the green light so work can begin.”
Natasha asked the minister: “So will this government commit to providing the funding needed and work in tandem with the city council to empower this community once again?”
Finance and Local Government Minister Rebecca Evans MS responded positively, saying she would make her colleagues in the transport department aware.
Commenting outside the chamber, Natasha Asghar MS said:
“All it takes to end this ongoing saga is for Ministers to put their hands in their pockets and cough up the cash.
“We need this funding released as soon as possible so work can begin, and residents’ lives can return to normal.
“Whilst the Minister might make the right noises in the chamber, her warm words must be followed up with swift action from the government.
“I will continue to pressure the Welsh Government and raise this issue until ministers do the right thing.”
A recent report by Newport City Council estimated the cost of building a replacement bridge would be between £5.6m and £9m.