HC Deb 12 December 1939 vol 355 cc1037-8W
Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Minister of Transport when was the temporary bridge over the Great Western Railway at Penrhiwfer, Rhondda, erected; for how long a period was it authorised; why

— August. September. October.
Total number of Accidents (including those not involving personal injury):
Central Omnibuses … … … … … 1,637 1,359 1,355
Trolley Vehicles … … … … … 911 885 888
Number of Deaths:
Central Omnibuses … … … … … 3 23 20
Trolley Vehicles … … … … … 2 5 6

Of the fatalities in September, 21 on omnibuses and four on trolley vehicles,

no step has been taken to erect a permanent structure; and whether he is aware that in present conditions the situation constitutes a serious danger to life?

Captain Wallace

The temporary bridge was erected II years ago at the joint expense of the Railway Company and the local authority when the Golden Age Bridge at Williamstown, Rhondda, was damaged by landslide and subsidence. Its proposed life of five years was extended to 10 years to allow for settlement of the ground.

I understand that subsidence has now ceased and that negotiations are proceeding between the Rhondda Urban District Council, as highway authority, and the Railway Company with a view to reconstructing the old bridge. There is also an alternative proposal under consideration for reconstructing the old bridge to a smaller width while retaining the temporary bridge for pedestrians.

On receipt of the highway authority's proposals I shall be prepared to consider whether the reconstruction should proceed forthwith in the interests of public safety.