River Wye historic bridge conservation ideas sought

Image caption, The Redbrook and Penallt Bridge was used by locomotives on the Wye Valley railway until 1959

People are being invited to share ideas on breathing life back into an historic bridge over the River Wye.

The Redbrook and Penallt Railway Bridge underwent "vital" survey work in December to examine its condition.

The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (WVAONB) unit says it wants funding to enhance the bridge in order "to fulfil its potential".

Conservation options were displayed and discussed at a meeting held at Redbrook Village Hall.

Last year the WVAONB unit organised examinations on three former railway bridges - Lydbrook and Redbrook Bridges in the Forest of Dean, and the Wireworks Bridge at Tintern, Wales - which are now used as public footpaths.

On advice of funders the group will focus on enhancing one bridge at a time, starting with Redbrook.

A spokesperson said this decision was taken because of its importance for maintaining a link between the communities of Redbrook, Gloucestershire, and Penallt in Monmouthshire.

The railway bridge was used as a viaduct for the Wye Valley railway until 1959.