Costs of renaming bridge add up to £37k

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THE costs so far of changing the name of the second Severn Crossing to the Prince of Wales Bridge have been published.

Works by Highways England came to £30,674.82, while a reception to mark the renaming cost £6,767.

The name change of the bridge has been a focus of controversy. More than 38,000 people have signed a petition opposing the renaming.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns revealed the costs in a parliamentary answer to Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards.

Plaid Cymru MP Mr Edwards said: “Having caused untold misery with eight years of cuts to public spending, the news that the Westminster Government found tens of thousands of pounds to rename a bridge will rightly cause disgust all over Wales...

“To spend almost £40,000 on the renaming, against the will of the people he supposedly represents, only goes to further expose his complete and utter pointlessness. The Severn Bridges serve as a gateway to our country.

“It’s time to transfer ownership over the bridges to our own national government, and out of the hands of Alun Cairns and his Westminster puppet masters.”

Commenting on the works costs, Mr Cairns said: “These costs reflect standard street furniture costs. All costs will be met by Highways England.

“These are one-off costs and no significant ongoing maintenance anticipated.”

The cost of the £6,767 ceremony was met by the Wales Office.

A YouGov poll published this month found: 27% supported naming it the Prince of Wales Bridge; 16% wanted a different name; 38% wanted the name to stay the same.

In his speech at a reception this month to mark the renaming of the Bridge, the Prince of Wales said: “It is, therefore, my particular hope that the crossing’s new name will bring to mind all those who, over these long centuries, have borne that ancient title ‘Tywysogion Cymru’ and the different traditions and heritages that they represent. Like the tributaries of the Severn, our different pasts meet in a shared present.

“In such a coming together, while never forgetting where we have come from, we can, I hope, each in our own way, contribute to a better future for all.”

The Severn Crossing tolls are due to be scrapped this year, following the return of the infrastructure to public ownership.

Barratt Homes reports that the prospect of the tolls ending has led to a boost in new-build house sales.

Sales director Richard Lawson said: “Scrapping bridge tolls is excellent news for us – and for our buyers.

“South Wales has long been a popular destination for those wishing to up sticks and move to this attractive part of the UK – but many have been put off in the past because they have links across the border, and need to pay each time they travel between the two countries.” costs are