Man's £160k legacy to restore historical bridge

Ten volunteers have been working on the restoration of Braunston Canal Bridge

The restoration of a historical canal bridge has begun after £160,000 was given to the project in a will.

Peter Andrews left the money to repair the bridge at Braunston, Northamptonshire, which is set to be renamed Peter's Bridge in his memory, the Canal & River Trust said.

Volunteers have been working with the trust, which looks after many of England and Wales' waterways, to help repair centuries-old brickwork.

Linny Beaumont, regional director for the charity, said: "The intention was always to put Mr Andrews' very generous legacy gift to good use."

The project is part of a wider plan to repair and improve bridge 91A at the entrance to Braunston Marina.

A new plaque, reading 91A Peter's Bridge, will be fitted.

Mr Andrews was a late waterways supporter and local resident in Braunston, near Daventry.

Braunston Canal Bridge was originally built in 1796

The trust is planning to appoint contractors for the spring to restore brickwork on the northern side of the bridge, facing the canal.

The works will take about five weeks to complete - in time for the Braunston Historic Boat Rally in June.

The bridge deck will be resurfaced with a resin-bonded anti-slip surface, improving wheelchair and pram access.

Meanwhile, volunteers have been removing loose mortar and crumbling bricks from the southern side.

The charity, founded in 2012, has been working to complete preliminary surveys, gather building consents, source bricks and teach the volunteer team.

In total, 3,500 reclaimed bricks are expected to be used.

After the repairs are completed, the brickwork is set to be left exposed to replicate the original design.

Ms Beaumont said: "The volunteers have made great strides in repairing sections of the bridge and gaining valuable skills in heritage restoration along the way."

One of the volunteers, Mike Dex, has dedicated more than 7,000 hours to various projects since his retirement.

"If I didn't enjoy it so much, I wouldn't do it," he said.

Mr Dex has 47 years of construction experience and has enjoyed "utilising his skills to do something positive for the community".