Bridge number two gets a borough council go-ahead

A second new bridge over the Erewash Canal has been given the formal go-ahead after the borough council granted planning permission.

The crossing for pedestrians and cyclists will span the waterway where new housing is being built on a former industrial site near Canal Street in Long Eaton.

Residents have long faced a trek to get to the other side of the canal since no crossing has existed before at what used to be Britannia Mills.

Erewash Borough Council granted consent for the metal bridge at a Long Eaton Town Hall planning committee meeting on Wednesday 18th September.

It comes months after another bridge – spanning the canal at Broad Street – got the green light to replace a century-old crossing linking the town centre to West Park. The landmark new bridge there will boast a spectacular sweeping curve.

While the crossing at Britannia Mills will be simpler, council planners have made improvements to the original design – in consultation with the Canal & River Trust.

A report said the enhancements “add interest to the elevations of the deck with a curved steel plinth which is repeated through the ramps.” It continues: “This detailing provides interest and reflects the industrial heritage of the canal and the former industrial site alongside.”

Both new bridges are thanks to the “Town Deal” that the council battled to secure for Long Eaton. It is seeing almost £25million of government investment pour in.

The Britannia Mills bridge will provide a link to National Cycle Route 67 thus improving connectivity to not only the town centre but also encouraging active travel. 

Councillor Curtis Howard, Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “Having secured the Long Eaton Town Deal and spent years working hard behind the scenes, it’s great to be in a place where these projects are now becoming a reality. 

"Part of what makes Long Eaton special is the canal running through its heart, and what we’re doing here is upgrading it for the 21st century. We’re linking up previously unconnected parts of Long Eaton north of the town centre, and the halved distance between canal crossings will make it more accessible for all. 

“We’re especially proud to have worked hard on this project with the Canal & River Trust and Futures Housing, who are delivering brand new affordable canal-side homes where the new bridge will be built.”

Speaking about other Town Deal projects, Councillor Howard said: “On West Park, we have new lighting in place, and the enhancement of the events field there is progressing well. The project to convert the town’s old Stable Block into a hub for businesses – bringing in new jobs – is deep in construction. Meanwhile a developer will soon be in place to replace the old Galaxy Row cinema – as hard work on the looming £10million High Street upgrade continues. So watch this space.”