Tom Blenkinsop, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, yesterday (9th November 2015) welcomed the news that work on repairing Gaskell Bridge in Loftus is due to start this week.
The bridge was damaged following severe flooding in September 2013 and has been the subject of a long legal dispute over ownership.
Following the local elections, in August this year the Labour-led council adopted responsibility for the bridge, much to the relief of local residents.
Tom said:
“Getting to this stage has been a very difficult process and I was pleased when the Labour controlled council took on this responsibility. I am obviously overjoyed that work to carry out the repairs will get underway later this week.
“The residents have had to wait a long time for these repairs so I have my fingers crossed that we have reasonably decent weather as to not hamper the workers who will be carrying them out. Nobody is under any illusion that the repairs will be easy and they will take some time, but I think we now have an end in sight for this saga and everyone can be pleased.”
