Discussions taking place about 'long-term works and maintenance' of bridge near Wigan stadium
Council bosses are looking at “longer term solutions” to ensure a bridge near The Brick Community Stadium remains safe for sports fans to use.
"Urgent, temporary” work was carried out on Friday January 16 at Walmsley bridge, which goes over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
It followed its closure on match days since New Year’s Day due to “concerns about the structural safety of the bridge when at full capacity”.
The bridge was open throughout Saturday’s match between Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers, allowing fans to access the stadium from Springfield.
Now, Wigan Council is looking at what will happen to the bridge in future.
A spokesman said: "We are pleased to have been able to facilitate temporary works to enable the bridge to remain open on match days and continue to work in partnership with the stadium and the clubs to discuss plans around long-term works and maintenance.
“Our focus has been on getting the bridge open and we can now turn our attention to longer term solutions. Once we have more details, we will be happy to share those with residents and supporters.”
Fans welcomed the bridge remaining open on Saturday, as it meant they could walk over it from Springfield, rather than facing a much longer walk or getting in their cars to drive to the match.
Harry Bristow, landlord of The Brickmakers Arms in Springfield, posted photographs on social media showing fans packed into his pub before the game.
He previously said the bridge closure on New Year’s Day led to him losing 60 per cent of his trade.
During the closure, Wigan MP Lisa Nandy was in contact with Mr Bristow, as well as Wigan Athletic Supporters’ Club, other constituents affected and council officers, to push for the bridge to be reopened.
She visited Mr Bristow at the pub this week to discuss the future of the bridge.
Sharing a photograph of them together on social media, she said: “It was a pleasure to meet with the landlord of the Brickmakers Arms and discuss Walmsley bridge and other important community issues.
"I know how important the bridge is for fans and businesses alike and I will work tirelessly to ensure there is a permanent and long-term solution.”