After 9 months of work, refurbishment and regeneration, Saxilby Footbridge, which crosses the Fossdyke, has had an official opening to the public.
The steel footbridge, which was gifted to the village by British Rail in 1986, has been restored by West Lindsey District Council to ensure a long life and minimise the length of time between maintenance for up to 25 years.
Residents and visitors gathered together smiling, talking and reminiscing the history of the bridge.
The bridge went from green to heritage black; a request of Saxilby Parish Council to coincide with the wider plans they have for the area.
The refurbishment works to Saxilby Footbridge included: shot blasting, rust treatment, steel repairs, bolt replacement, re-painting with a railway grade paint system.
Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Seeing everyone come together was a pleasure and a privilege to witness. This has been a significant project for the local community and now all the refurbishment works have been completed, the waterfront looks marvellous.
“We know many people have used the bridge already, but the regeneration of Saxilby Bridge means that people can continue using it for many more years to come. I’m excited to see the area develop and what the Parish Council has planned for the future.”
Chair of Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council, Cllr Elizabeth Hillman, said: “It’s great to have the footbridge back and looking in such good condition following its refurbishment. The parish council lobbied for this refurbishment for six years as part of the regeneration of Saxilby Waterfront.
“It’s wonderful to see that work coming to fruition. Thank you to West Lindsey District Council for all their work on this project, their project team have been a pleasure to work with.”
Heather Degand is a landscape architect from Welch Designs who helped create the masterplan for the area from community consultation. She said: “Welch Design were absolutely thrilled to produce the masterplan for the regeneration project. It’s fantastic to see the unique landscape of the Conservation Area renewed and benefitting the wonderful, enthusiastic community of Saxilby.”
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
