Bridge to the future (From Penarth Times)

Bridge to the future

A 2.8 MILLION bridge will link Penarth with the exciting international sports village project and the rest of Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff County Council has backed plans to build a 2.8 million crossing across the river Ely that will link Penarth with one of the most spectacular developments in Wales.

The bascule bridge will be four metres wide and cater for pedestrians and cyclists, and will give Penarthians direct access to the sports village's Olympic swimming pool, ice rink and snow dome.

It is certain to make living in the town even more desirable and give a boost to property prices.

Penarth AM Lorraine Barrett said: "I think this is fantastic news for Penarth. I think of this as being the last piece in the jigsaw.

"Alun Michael and I have supported this initiative from the very beginning and I will give my full support to any application made to the Welsh Assembly for funding.

"I think this project is essential for Penarth because it completes the full circuit. It will be possible to walk or cycle from the Esplanade via the Headland Link into the centre of Cardiff and back again via the barrage.

The bridge would open to allow boats and yachts through, so navigation of the river Ely will continue.

The Cardiff authority has already ruled out a number of alternative proposals, including a landmark crossing along the lines of the "blinking eye" across the Tyne in Newcastle, an underground tunnel, a link suspended between the sections of Cogan viaduct and a chain link ferry.

Jeff James, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "The Vale was consulted. It accords very much with our own ideas and perfectly compliments our exciting Headland Link project.

"I am totally in support of this link which will open up access into the bay area from Penarth and vice versa."

The scheme will have relatively low operational costs. Cardiff County Council will apply for funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.