A BRIDGE in Dolgarrog is hoped to reopen following concerns that residents had been cut off from access to their village railway station.

The pipe bridge was closed to walkers in January due to significant safety concerns, including the deterioration of timber deck boards and additional features needed to safeguard the water mains which supply water to over 9,000 homes.

The bridge is the only route to Dolgarrog Railway Station from the village and there were concerns that the bridge closure would cause increased road traffic to the nearby Surf Snowdonia.

It is expected that the pipe bridge will need significant investment to make it safe for users and Welsh Water is working with the Conwy County Borough Council to explore funding arrangements.

Greg Robbins, Conwy County Borough Council cabinet member for environment and transportation, said: “We welcome the commitment from Dwr Cymru to work with ourselves to reopen the bridge which is a vital link for the community and for access to the Railway Station. This gives the potential for an improvement of this route and we look forward to bringing this to fruition as soon as practicable.”

Welsh Water said it cannot confirm when the pipe bridge will reopen until the plans are finalised.

Ian Christie, Managing Director for Water Services at Welsh Water said:

"We decided to close Dolgarrog pipe bridge due to concerns about the current condition of the bridge. We commissioned two independent reports which both highlighted substantive safety concerns. This included the need to replace a number of the timber deck boards and also implementing additional measures to protect the high-pressure water mains.

“Although the pipe bridge is not a designated right of way, we are aware that it is very popular with walkers and local residents wishing to access the railway station on foot.

“As we now understand the safety improvements that need to be done, we are currently working with elected representatives to confirm the work that is needed so that we can reopen the pipe bridge to local users.

“This work will involve a significant cost and we are working with Conwy County Borough Council and other stakeholders to confirm the timeline for reopening the pipe bridge. However, we are committed to reopening the bridge and supporting the local community.”

Janet Finch-Saunders MS for Aberconwy, has been outspoken about the closure of the bridge amid concerns about the negative impact it would have on residents. She had planned a community and stakeholders' meetings on the issue during March.

She said: “The decision to permanently close Dolgarrog Bridge has united our community in appreciation of the vital importance of the crossing.

“As I have been pleased to make clear through working with the community, the impact of the move on Dolgarrog Railway Station, leading attractions, Active Travel, fishing, access to the National Park, and use of private vehicles is undeniable.

“Over the last month I have been pleased to work with stakeholders from across Wales, and have today been delighted to pull key parties together in a virtual meeting to find a positive way forwards.

“My thanks goes to all who have participated, and especially to Welsh Water who have listened to our community’s concerns, have committed to reopening, and will be investing in the bridge.

“This is not the end of the story, and I was delighted that we agreed to work together going forwards to make the crossing and routes either side better and more attractive to use than they have ever been.

“The outcome we have secured just goes to show the power of democracy and that Welsh Water do listen.”