Repairs are needed to a historic Rossendale stone-built viaduct which is now a popular cycle route and footpath. Public access has been partly restricted for safety reasons on Hareholme Viaduct, which crosses the River Irwell between Rawtenstall and Bacup.
Stonework is bulging on a number of arches on the north side and a host of work is needed, estimated to cost over £400,000. But the longer-term cost to the council, with factors such as the cost of borrowing, could be over £600,000.
Rossendale councillors approved a call to allocate extra funds to the scheme and appoint a contractor at the latest full council meeting. Councillors agreed to approve the repairs and appoint Lee Ashworth Excavations, described as the lowest bidder at just over £400,000 for the work.
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With factors such as the cost of borrowing and consequences for council budgets, the viaduct scheme could add an extra £24,000 in annual costs to Rossendale Borough Council’s revenue budget, giving a total estimated cost of £626,000, according to a report. However, all funding options would be looked at by officers, it was stated.
Previously, a budget of £100,000 had been earmarked for Hareholme Viaduct. However, updates about all the improvements needed and also rising costs meant the new forecast price of over £400,000 is higher. Councillors agreed to approve adding a further £300,000 to the existing viaduct budget, to be funded by borrowing or capital receipts.
Rossendale Borough Council had received a number of tenders for the work, Tasks include removal of trees and creating temporary road access; adding metalwork to the viaduct, repairing stonework and cement, improving drainage and the upper surface. Repairs could take 12 weeks.
If repairs were not done, the viaduct’s state would become worse, a report warned. Speaking at the full council, Labour Coun Andy MacNae said: “I support this report. It’s good to see the council investing in these crucial things and not seeing it crumble, like schools.”
Labour’s Patrick Marriott added: “I fully support this, The viaduct is used for cyclists and as a footpath. The costs are unwelcome but the report is welcome. It’s worth noting that the council’s day-to-day business is expensive. Day-to-day projects need to occur as well as wonderful projects happening elsewhere.”
Community First Coun Alan Neal said: “Given what needs to be done, would we get some funding from the lottery or a heritage body? Is it worth discussing this with the county council archives office?”
Labour Coun Jacqueline Oakes , deputy leader of Rossendale Council, said: “I will check regarding heritage. I think council officers have looked at that. As said, this is about maintenance. It’s unfortunate and a lot of money. But it has to be done.”
Capital schemes and receipts are typically linked to council spending on larger one-off projects or sale of larger assets, such as buildings or land.
