Government to look into modifying cattle bridge
OGMORE Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies said he has helped produce a breakthrough in a longrunning saga which threatens cattle movements on a bridge over the M4.
He said the issue also risked road safety incidents on the busy motorway below.
“This bridge is used regularly for access to grazing for cattle owned by farmers on the Coity Walia commons. These rights were there before the M4, and still exist. Yet we have had some near misses when cattle have been frightened by traffic passing them too fast on Heol Spencer, Coity,” he said.
“We need a raised parapet here along both sides of the bridge – like there are on other bridges used for animal crossing – to minimise the risk of cattle ending up on the motorway below. This is needed for animal welfare, and for the safety of drivers on the M4 too.” Working with Coity Walia Commons Association and Bridgend County Borough Council, Huw arranged an on-site visit from senior Welsh Government official to see the problems first hand and to discuss a way forward.
He said that up to this point there had been a total impasse, but following the meeting Welsh Government has confirmed that it will carry out a feasibility study for a parapet to the bridge, and would hope to commission the necessary improvements next year subject to available funding.
Mr Irranca-Davies said Bridgend council will also look at further measures to help slow traffic on the ap- proaches to the bridge.
He added “This is great news, and I’m grateful to Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates for helping us find a lasting resolution.
“In the meantime, I and the Coity Walia commoners would strongly appeal to drivers using this bridge to slow down when approaching any cattle or other animals near the bridge, and to let cattle cross the bridge before overtake.
“Reckless driving could jeopardise animal safety and driver safety, so please slow down and drive with real care.” SPECIAL PRICES ON SELECTED SOFAS. trying to