Faversham's swing bridge has been out of action for far too long.
Local negotiations have reached a stalemate, and so in December I met with the Maritime Minister Baroness Vere to ask for the Government's support in getting things moving forward. I've since heard back with some really good news.
Since our meeting Baroness Vere has intervened to get information from parties which to date hadn't been received. Opinions remain divided on the ownership and liability for the bridge, with the Town and County Council both believing that it is the legal responsibility of Peel Ports to provide a significant contribution to the necessary funding - something that Peel Ports dispute.
The Minister has set Department for Transport policy and legal officials to work reviewing all the information, and once that's done the Minister will bring everyone together to try and agree a solution.
If that doesn't work, she's committed to considering further Government action, and is currently working to understand what would be most sensible and effective.
Frustratingly she can’t click her fingers and solve this overnight. But as a town we want to make sure all possible pressure is brought to bear on Peel Ports who are responsible for the working bridge.
You can read the Minister's full letter below.
