A BRIDGE in Dinas Powys that links the north and south of the village is to be renovated by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The Council’s Cabinet have agreed to invest £550k on the work to protect the Cross Common Road Bridge, which spans the Cadoxton river that runs through the village.

The bridge will be closed for 14 weeks whilst works are carried out to renovate it.

Dinas Powys councillors initially opposed the length of time it would take to renovate the bridge, arguing that it could be “significantly reduced” back in December , but they have now approved of the recommendations after meeting cabinet members.

Cabinet member for environment and visible services at the council, Cllr Rob Curtis, said: “The council has been monitoring this bridge for some time. The structure was given extra support by the addition of a timber frame in 2005, but recent inspections have made it clear that the current structure is reaching the end of its useful life and would have to be closed by May this year.

“There have also been concerns that the timber frame has an adverse effect on the river’s flow, increasing the chance of local flooding.”The existing bridge deck and parapets will be replaced. The original abutments are in good order and are to be retained.

Cllr Curtis added: “The bridge is a vital vehicle and pedestrian link for the village. I want to ensure it is kept open and presented a report to Cabinet in December, but at that time local councillors expressed concern about the bridge being closed for repair.

“Since then there have been discussions between the Leader, officers and myself with the local Dinas Powys members and I am pleased to say they agree that the proposed closure of around 14 weeks is a much better option than the prospect of a permanent closure of a failed bridge.

“It is hoped that work on the bridge will start in this financial year, at which time a traffic diversion will be in operation during the work, but I will ensure that everything will be done to minimise inconvenience to local road users while this vital work is carried out.”

Dinas Powys Councillor Chris Franks, who warned last year that it would be “catastrophic” if the bridge was forced to close, said that renovating the bridge was the “only feasible option” and that his fellow local councillors were “just pleased that the scheme is going ahead”.

He added: “From what I have been told it is either this scheme or the bridge will close in May, so this is the best option.”