A CHARITY has allegedly ignored the county council and owes it over £1,000 for an ongoing bridge closure on a popular Worcester walking route.
The Oil Basin Bridge, which spans the former Diglis dock and basin, was initially supposed to be closed for 6 months while work was carried out to make it safe.
But nine months later, Canal and Rivers Trust now owes Worcestershire County Council over £1,000 for the ongoing closure.
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Tor Pingree, Worcestershire County Council councillor, said: “The Canal and River Trust owe the county council money for the ongoing closure of the bridge over the oil basin, and they are not responding to multiple attempts to contact them about this.
“However, our concern is less about the cost and more about the lack of clarity on the timeline for these repairs.
“This bridge and the bridge near Cafe Afloat are both maintained by the Canal and River Trust and they make up an essential route for pedestrians in this area.
“It would benefit us all greatly to know when we can expect them to be reopened.”
Why does the Canal and River Trust owe the Worcestershire County Council money?
The Oil Basin Bridge is owned by the Canal and River Trust, but the Worcestershire County Council is responsible for enforcing the closure.
The £1,000 covers the administrative costs of closing the bridge.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We are awaiting further feedback from Canal and River Trust as to their plans for fixing the bridge.”
The Canal & River Trust said it is currently developing the programme of work that’s required for the repairs.
The Oil Basin Bridge in Diglis is closed off for public use. (Image: Newsquest)
It added: “Unfortunately, this means the bridge will remain closed until work is able to begin later this year.
“We apologise for any inconvenience while the bridge is closed but safety has to be our main priority.
“We advise people to follow the short diversion route during the closure.”
It added that it hopes the works will be completed in the next financial year, with work scheduled to start at the earliest at the end of summer.