CLEANING works on Taunton’s iconic Bridge have started today (May 17).

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) has “committed financial resources towards cleaning of the ornamental sections of the bridge”, which is owned by Somerset County Council (SCC).

The County Gazette reported earlier this year that the Bridge looked set for a major refurb following a social media campaign to smarten it up.


Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:
 

A county council spokesman previously said: “Our team is looking at a major package of refurbishment works following testing by our engineers earlier this year.

“These works will include general repairs and refurbishment including repainting the structure.

“Clearly any painting works will need to follow structural refurbishment.

“In the interim, as part of our ongoing partnership with Somerset West and Taunton, cleaning of the structure will be carried out shortly to freshen up this key piece of heritage.

“We are grateful to SWT for their assistance with these works.”

Somerset County Gazette: Works on the Bridge have started today (May 17)Works on the Bridge have started today (May 17)

In 2014, volunteers and members of the former Taunton Deane Council donned high-visibility jackets, mops and brushes to clean the landmark after putting arrangements and safety measures in place with SCC.

The Bridge has been in place since 1894 and was built to replace another structure dating to 1834.