Colne Valley Councillors David Ridgway and Nicola Turner (Lib Dem) have been told by the Highways Agency that it cannot afford to paint the rusting Scammonden Bridge that spans the M62 and carries the  Saddleworth Road.

 The Councillors started to receive complaints two years ago about the poor condition of the bridge but following a further refusal by the Highways Agency to pay for the work, the local councillors want the public to know that it’s not down to their lack of effort or the council’s lack of diligence.

 Cllr David Ridgway said:

“The uncompromising position taken by the Highways Agency on this matter is incredibly irritating especially after two years of pressing them to deal with it.  My colleague, Cllr Turner, and I are both frequently contacted by users of the bridge complaining about its rusty, deteriorating condition and although the Highways Agency reassures us it is safe, it is still an eyesore.”

Cllr Turner added:

“We would like to the public to know that the bridge is the responsibility of the Highways Agency.  Not the council.  If it was the council’s responsibility, we would probably have had it done by now.  All we can do and will continue to do is place pressure on the Highways Agency.  We suggest that any resident, who would also like to see this work undertaken, should lodge a complaint with them”.