A TEMPORARY footpath is set to be installed at the Big Lock in Middlewich next week ahead of a major refurbishment project in 2020.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) will be on-site on Monday, October 28, to install a temporary footbridge as a replacement for the Grade II-listed bridge over the Trent and Mersey Canal.

The Big Lock, which was built in the mid-19th century, was closed by CRT in February when it was deemed to be unsafe following an inspection.

CRT wants to remove the Big Lock before refurbishment takes place off-site next summer, and it hopes to have the bridge reinstalled for winter 2020.

Middlewich businessman Simon Lincoln launched an online petition last month calling on CRT to repair the bridge, with 555 people adding their name to it.

Northwich Guardian:

In a post on the change.org website on Friday, he said: “Well done everybody – through lots of persistence and our petition a temporary bridge will be installed on Monday, October 28.

“This despite comments I read saying it was a waste of time. Well we proved the doubters wrong. Persistence pays off.”

CRT says that it will repair leakage through the bottom gate cill on the Big Lock, refurbish gate planking and carry out masonry works on the forebay chamber.

A planning application for the refurbishment project has been lodged with Cheshire East Council.

In its planning statement, CRT said: “Big Lock footbridge is now in a very poor and deteriorating condition.

“Investigations carried out in March 2019 noted heavy corrosion and evidence of section loss.

READ > Pigeon fanciers flock to help sick children

“Past movement is evident as there is cracking in both abutments.

“The bridge has been closed to pedestrians due to the concrete deck dropping onto the bracing and the other defects noted above now make it unsafe to remain in use.”