‘Poor Condition’ Community Footbridges Restored by Local Contractor

Two well used footbridges in a local community have been rebuilt thanks to the help of a contractor working in partnership with Wrexham Council.

Strategic outsourcing and energy services company, Mitie, who carry out external improvement work on properties for Wrexham Council’s Housing Service recently completed roofing improvement work in the Ogwen and Tegid areas of Plas Madoc.

They donated the bridges to the Plas Madoc estate as part of a Community Benefit scheme.

The two well used footbridges which cross streams on a popular footpath near Hampden Way are located on the south side of the estate.

Due to the poor condition of the previous bridges, Mitie had to rebuild the bridges from scratch. Both of the new bridges now have secure handrails on both sides.

Contracts Manager for Mitie, Steve Brazier, said: “Supporting local communities and economies is a key part of the work we do. We’ve developed a great relationship working in partnership with Wrexham Council and have carried out external housing improvement work in several areas around the County Borough.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to contribute to Plas Madoc through rebuilding the bridges and we hope to be involved in similar projects like this in future.”

All contractors who carry out work for Wrexham Council’s Housing Service are now required to ‘give something back’ to communities as part of their works contract.

This can include rebuilding and refurbishing community buildings and structures, such as the bridges, and it can also include contributing to the local economy through taking on local labour, apprentices, and purchasing supplies from local businesses.

As well as the Plas Madoc footbridges, Mitie also recently supplied skips for an Environmental Action Cleanup event in Cefn Mawr and 70% of their staff are employed from the local Wrexham area.

The replacement of the bridges has been welcomed by Local Member for Plas Madoc, Cllr Paul Blackwell, who said: “These are well used bridges on a popular route in the Plas Madoc area and were badly in need of repair. Mitie have come and rebuilt the bridges from scratch and have done a brilliant job.

“They are now safe and sturdy structures which should last for many years to come and I would like to thank Mitie for the work they’ve done. I’m sure they will continue to be well used by the local community.”

Lead Member for Housing, Cllr Ian Roberts, added: “Community Benefits are now an integral part of the housing improvement work being carried out on our Council tenants’ properties. This year we are spending £54m on improving properties as we aim to bring all homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

“It is vital that the local economy is able to benefit as much as possible from this investment and I’m delighted to see the bridges in Plas Madoc have been rebuilt to such a high standard.”