South Petherwin Parish Council was delighted with the response from neighbouring parish councils and local businesses following an invitation to attend a three parish meeting concerning Trekelland Bridge and vehicle damage/closure and preservation.

Over twenty five councillors and a number of local businesses attended the meeting on Wednes­day, March 25 including councillors from South Pethe­rwin, Lewannick and North Hill plus district councillor Ian Jolly and county and district councillor Neil Burden.

Businesses represented were PRJ Engineer­ing, K&A E Moore —Hollyvagg landfill site and farmhouse bed and breakfast, South Petherwin Post Office and Stores and farmers Mr A Parsons (Lezant) and Mr R Dinnis (Lewannick). Mr Simon Lowry represented Corn­wall County Council's Highways Department as the structural maintenance engineer for bridges.

The meeting was chaired by South Petherwin Parish Council Chairman Phil Parsons. He gave a brief outline of why the meeting had been arranged and its aim, that being to address the issues and options for the future of Trekelland Bridge with a 'Three Parish-Business' approach. He then introduced Mr Lowry who gave a brief overview of Trekelland Bridge.

The bridge, which is listed as an ancient monument, does not have a weight restriction. Plans for the bridge are currently in the process of being drawn up including signage/markings. The repair cost has been in region of £35,000 over the last two years. One successful insurance claim of £16,000 had been made. Mr Lowry could not give an estimate of the present damage but no doubt it would be several thousand pounds.

The meeting was then opened to the floor. Mr Paul Tucker (North Hill PC) was concerned about visibility — trees blocking the view from the Lewannick approach, the straightening of the bend on the Lewannick approach and re-routing of heavy traffic. Traffic lights were also suggested. Roger Dinnis (farmer) suggested a bridge widening scheme should be put in place.

Mr A Parsons considered the best long term option was a new bridge adjacent to the old one. Sarah and Darren Hart (South Petherwin Post Office and Stores) had concerns about bridge closures, ie their takings drop by 25 per cent whilst traffic is diverted. Better signage/wording was needed, perhaps a sign letting people know access to the village is open be put on the Penny­gillam roundabout. Concerns were also raised about the timing for works on the bridge ie the bridge closures during Easter.

It was felt that sensitivity to existing businesses be taken into consideration when closures are planned. Repairs should be done overnight if possible and re-opened during the day as the closure of the bridge hits trade hard. Traffic calming ideas such as rumble strips and cameras could also help, along with changing the priority for oncoming traffic over the bridge.

Ruth Jasper (PRJ Engineering) and K&A E Moore (Hollyvagg landfill site) were both concerned with bridge closures as, "business drops", and there is an added "cost of fuel". Mrs A Moore stated that their landfill business dropped by "at least 50 per cent and the holiday business was affected." Cllr Jolly also expressed concerns in relation to inadequate signage at Congdons Shop and suggested selective weight restrictions for the bridge.

Cllr Neil Burden explain­ed the reasoning for the past bridge closure dates — Highways, in consultation with various groups, had chosen holiday time as there was less business traffic and the school bus would not need to be rerouted. Also, he wanted to know at what stage highways were in drawing up new bridge restrictions promised in the winter.

He sited high curbs as a choice for aligning traffic as the bridge at Greystone had benefited by such a design.

In replying to all the concerns Mr Lowry explained that the road closures, signage and timing was not his area of authority but he would pass the comments onto both Oliver Jones and Cormac. As for bridge widening he considered this unlikely as it was a historic monument.

Changing of signage, rumble strips, traffic lights, new high curbs, along with other traffic calming suggestions, were ideas he would take back to the design team for further comment. As for a new bridge he saw no reason why this could not be an option for the future. If there was enough support and future highway budgets included this project it could be possible.

The Chairman concluded the meeting by thanking Mr Lowry for his willingness to address the issues raised and hoped that following the responses from the various agencies, the parishes and businesses would be kept informed. Arrange­ments for another meeting was discussed but not set.

Commenting on the meeting Phil Parsons said: "This was a very successful meeting. Bringing three parishes and local businesses together has been beneficial in enabling highways to get a clearer understanding of how the parish and businesses value this route. It was especially pleasing to have an option of a new bridge, however far away that may be!"