A bridge built in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of George V has been upgraded to improve public access along its route.
Carmarthenshire County Council successfully applied for a £34,000 grant under the Strengthening the Tourism Appeal of Rural Carmarthenshire (STARC) scheme for improvements and enhancements to the registered public access route by carrying out works to the Kings Bridge, later known as the swing bridge, adjacent to the Heart of Wales Railway Line in Llandeilo.
Works to the bridge involved the fabrication and fitting of a new galvanized steel structure for the suspension bridge and the replacement of the timber decking, fencing, highway sign posts and self closing kissing gates. The total cost of the project was £68,400.
The council’s executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “This grant has enabled us to carry out a very worthwhile scheme to improve access along this beautiful route. This is a popular route for walkers and it helps to keep the locals fit and healthy.”
Executive board member for rural affairs Cllr Jim Jones said: “Improving the bridge is a boost for the route along the Heart of Wales Line and will help to encourage rural tourism.”
STARC received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The aim was to strengthen Carmarthenshire’s position as a year round premier tourist destination.
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