Taste of Honey - Barton Swing Bridge

Hello Mr Tunstill,

You are quite correct when you state the condition of the are around the Swing Bridges.

In the late 1980's Salford Council carried out a comprehensive improvement scheme to the lower and upper walkways adjacent the stone abutment to the Bridgewater Canal. This was successful but over the years has suffered from neglect, but chiefly vandalism, the picnic tables at the upper level being virtually destroyed. The timber walkwat along the side of the pond is in need of repair and the trees and shrubs are also in need of maintenance. In 1999 Salford Council were successful in bidding for improvement monies to renovate the area and several derelict properties but, unfortunately, could not find the match funding to carry out the work.

However, during 2002/3 Salford Council were successful in encouraging the renovation of the row of former shops fronting Barton Lane and Peel Green Road. At about the same time the pavements along both sides of each road, including improvements to the road junction, were re-surfaced in more appropriate materials.

In an attempt to address the derelict condition of the area adjacent to and around the Swing Bridges, a Conservation Area Appraisal was carried out last year. This highlighted deficiencies and suggested ways of improvement. If you access the Council's Web site and follow, Living-Planning-Heritage-Conservation Areas-Conservation Area Appraisals-Barton-Upon-Irwell.. You will find historic maps and background information about the conservation area and listed buildings. You will also find information about the ways in which the conservation area generally, can be improved. With this in mind the Council has also embarked on a three year programme of formulating Conservation Area Management Plans for each of the sixteen conservation areas in Salford. It is hoped that, as a result of this work, we will achieve overall improvements to all of the conservation areas in Salford.

I hope this helps to alleviate some of your concerns about this particular, and important, conservation area.

Best wishes,
Joe