IN these times of austerity, can I thank Cheshire West and Chester Council through the Northwich Guardian, for their speedy response to the repair to Hayhurst Swing Bridge?

A one-metre section of the metal lip, where the bridge meets the main carriageway, had broken loose, with the consequence that every time a vehicle drove over the bridge, there was a resultant, loud, ‘kerplunk’ sound, which went on all day and night.

I never realised until then just how many vehicles pass through Northwich every 24 hours.

Unfortunately for us light snoozers, sleep became virtually impossible, because every time I drifted off, I was suddenly awakened by the loud ‘kerplunk’ disrupting my dreams.

I’m sure I was not the only person living in the centre of town to have their slumbers disturbed.

I reported the matter on the Monday to the highways department, following up with a report to the customer services team, although I was aware that the solution would require a major piece of work and the closure of the main carriageway of Chester Way, the A5509 through the town and the risk of major traffic disruption.

Their response was to send a team down to do the job early on the Sunday morning, thus causing the least disturbance and solving the problem by mid morning.

Thankfully we town centre dwellers can now sleep again, so appreciation again to all concerned at the council and the Canal and River Trust for their speedy work.

Michael McNamee
Northwich