About town.....

Today marks the long awaited opening of the new Ashley Bridge.

Speeches were followed by the ribbon cutting which was performed by Neil Mackintosh, the great grandson of William and Jeanie Mackintosh who cut the ribbon to open the current Ashley Bridge on 25 October 1912. Mayor David Ayers then declared the new bridge open.

The parade led by our local pipe band featured a steam traction engine. Two traction engines took part in the current bridge's opening in 1912. Dignitaries followed the steam traction engine in five vintage cars, the public were then able to walk the bridge.

The new bridge is quite a bit higher than the current bridge allowing for the rise of the Ashley River during the winter months. Hard to believe this river in flood from bank to bank, today its bone dry.

It has the addition of a footpath which could be handy photography wise if you don't mind passing trucks.

For those travelling in the area the new bridge will be open for northbound traffic from Monday 23 February while southbound traffic will continue to use the current bridge until the end of March when it will be demolished.

A time of celebration round our small town.

Happy Saturday everyone :)