Agenda and minutes

The Scrutiny Committee noted the minutes.

The Scrutiny Committee noted the work programme.

The Committee selected the following items:

3.1    Traffic Order – Shelone Road, Briton Ferry

Officers provided an amended form of wording for the recommendation, as follows ‘that the proposed implementation of a 20mph Speed Limit and Traffic Calming Measures at Briton Ferry (exact locations as detailed at Appendix 1 to the circulated report), be implemented.

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the recommendation to be considered by the Cabinet Board.

3.2    Streetscene and Engineering Performance Indicators for Quarter 2 of 2017/18

          Members considered the quarterly performance management data for the second quarter of 2017/2018 as contained within the circulated report.

Following scrutiny the report was noted.

3.3    Langy Bridge, Glynneath

          Members received an overview summary in relation to the condition of Langy Bridge as contained within the circulated report.

          Members were informed that Langy Bridge was originally built in the 1800’s and carried a section of rail line across the River Neath. The bridge has pedestrian access on one side and now only serves as a footbridge, the railway having closed and the track on either side having been removed.

          It was also explained that the footbridge is not a registered footpath, adopted, or historically listed structure but is sited on the southern side by land owned by the local authority and on the northern side by land owned by the Aberpergwm Estates.

          The bridge serves no direct access although remains popular with walkers and dog walkers as a leisure route with responsibility for maintaining the bridge currently vested with Streetcare Services.

          The Head of Streetcare went on to explain that in April 2017 the Council’s Engineering Section carried out an inspection on the bridge and shortly after advised that it should be closed to the public and access prevented until such time as the bridge was removed or remedial works undertaken.

          Members were then informed that an attempt was first made to close off the footbridge using a pedestrian guardrail in November 2001. Following installation the guardrail was immediately torn down and, following legal advice warning signs were displayed advising the public ‘footbridge is unsafe – to be used at own risk’.

          Since this time the Head of Streetcare pointed out that the condition of the bridge has continued to deteriorate and following the latest condition report a new barrier installed. In October 2017 this barrier was removed and another installed which was also taken down. A further replacement is currently being put up.

          Problems identified within the inspection report included:-

·        Damage to the cutwaters that protect the masonry piers and undermining due to water scour;

·        Missing pedestrian guardrail on the spans themselves and above the wing-wall at the southern end

·        Hole in the concrete deck slab and severe spalling to the soffit of the slab

·        Severe corrosion of the bridge support brackets

Following the completion of the inspection report, Members were informed that three estimates were obtained.

Estimate one involved the refurbishment of the bridge to footbridge standard (£444,150). Estimate two involved installation of a new 50  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.