WILTS & BERKS CANAL TRUST

New Swindon Local Board - The Canal Bridges

The Surveyor also reported that two brick bridges belonging to the Canal Company adjoining the recreation ground, were in a dilapidated condition, and needed immediate attention.The brickwork of the arches was cracked, and the bricks forming the walls, from which the arches sprung, were very worn and weathered, and would soon be undermined by the effects of the water.

Mr. J. J. Smith proposed that the Clerk give the Canal Company notice to put their bridges and footpaths in the district in repair, to the satisfaction of the Surveyor.

Mr. Baker seconded, and the proposition was carried.

The Golden Lion Bridge

The Surveyor further reported that he had examined the apparatus used for raising the Golden Lion Bridge. He found that in the posts on the Bridge Street side there were cog wheels, on which fell the principal part of the work of raising the bridge, these wheels were in good order.

In the columns on the Regent Street side there were simply two wheels over which the chains slid; the teeth of these wheels being worn out, the chain had no grip, and consequently slipped, causing one portion of the bridge to go down quicker than the other.

If the existing four columns were moved to the back of the footpath on either side, and the two posts on the Regent Street side supplied with cog wheels, the same as on the Bridge Street side, he believed there would be sufficient strength to lift a bridge the whole width of the road and the footpath.

A letter was read from Mr. H Franklin, of 24, North Street, Swindon, stating that he was walking down Regent Street on Friday evening, when not noticing that the Golden Lion Bridge was raised on the one side from two to three inches, he was tripped over by it, the fall resulting not only in personal inconvenience, but in serious damage to the overcoat which he was wearing.  As this was a serious loss to him he should be glad to hear what the Board could do in the matter. It was agreed that the Clerk should write acknowledging the receipt of the letter, and stating that the Board could do nothing.

With regards to the Surveyor's report on the bridge, it was agreed after a short discussion, that the Surveyor should obtain an estimate of the cost for carrying out the proposed work.