Local councillor confirms that work to repaint the iconic Long Bridge would wipe out the North Powys highways budget.

The bridge, which was built in 1827 and widened in 1857, is an iconic part of Newtown, linking the two sides of the town together. The cost is expected to come in at around £400,000, partly due to the nature of the scaffolding required.

The figure was revealed by Newtown county councillor, David Selby at a town council meeting on Monday night. Cllr Selby is also the Powys council cabinet member for economic development. It is reported that Cllr Selby confirmed that the cost could wipe out the entire north Powys highways budget.

It is understood that the county council, who maintains the structure as the highways authority, is continuiing to look at other funding methods.

(Photo by Benjamin Wolf, used with permission)