SALTASH NEWS
Network Rail is to unveil details of the work at two community events beginning this weekend.
That includes announcing that complex work on the iconic bridge (pictured), which has linked Plymouth and Saltash since 1859, is set to start in October.
Contractors will also be repainting the entire 2,200ft structure, the firm says. In a bid to discover its original colour, architectural paint researcher Patrick Baty took samples from the Grade I-listed bridge by hammer and chisel last year.
They have since been analysed and the Network Rail has promised to reveal the results in Saltash on Monday.
However, Isambard Kingdom Brunel's landmark is likely to get a new coat of grey regardless of the findings, The Herald understands, as all work must comply with English Heritage guidelines on listed structures.
The restoration work will include stripping off the existing 30 or so layers of paint and then blast-cleaning the entire bridge.
Estimated to take two years, the job will go out to tender shortly, said Network Rail's Mavis Choong, and is one of the biggest strengthening projects in the bridge's 151-year history.
The news follows criticisms about rust and algae on the bridge from outgoing South East Cornwall MP Colin Breed, who described its condition as "shabby" ahead of 150th anniversary celebrations last year.
Ms Choong said: "This work demonstrates our effort in preserving the best of the past and preparing for the future as the railway continues to grow."
People can find out more from the firm's engineers at two community exhibitions in Saltash, on Sunday, April 25, and Monday, April 26.
Both events will include a display explaining the work and the bridge's history and table-top activities using models. Parts taken from the bridge itself will also be on display. The first day will take place at the Ashtorre Rock Community Centre, in Tamar Street, from 3pm-7pm.
The following day children will be among those attending the exhibition at Saltash Library, in Callington Road, between 11am and 5pm.
Best Destination.
CORNWALL has been recognised by Britain as its number one holiday destination.
Last night the British Travel Awards, voted for by travelling consumers, and acknowledged as the largest indicator of public opinion on travel industry performance in the UK, bestowed the title on the county.
More than 20% of the best holiday destination category votes were cast in Cornwall’s favour, putting it ahead of last year’s winner, the Lake District, and reclaiming the title the county held in 2006.
A NEW cemetery is to be built in Saltash to replace the old cemetery, which has space enough for only two more years of burials.
The new site will be laid out next to the old Churchtown Farm buildings and west of the current cemetery. Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
Cornwall Council approved the application and will manage the project.
Cllr Bob Austin said: "It has been a long exercise to get this thing off the ground but now we're up and starting to run."
Work is expected to begin this autumn.
The town is also to get 27 new allotments on part of the land earmarked for future use as a cemetery.
