Following a further review, the ecologist employed by Network Rail has agreed that the remaining work on the railway bridge can go ahead. The ecologist will continue to monitor the position to ensure there is no risk of damage or destruction of nesting birds in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
During week commencing 5th July scaffolding will start to be erected. This is later than the date of 21st June mentioned in the recent letter from Network Rail, delivered to all homes in the Village, due to the need for representatives of the Avon Navigation Trust to be present while the work is carried out in order to manage any river traffic. The work will take place from both sides of the bridge over the river and is expected to take 2 weeks. As far as Charlton is concerned, lorries will use the Whitehouse Farm entrance to deliver materials. The precise access route on the Fladbury side is to be clarified and a map supplied by Network Rail. It will probably be via an access track but the playing field car park will be used for vehicles and pedestrians subsequently accessing the site across the field on foot.
The next stage will comprise shot blasting and repainting of the river spans. The shot blasting will be noisy and is expected to take approximately 3 weeks. The noisy work will be limited to daytime and during the working week.
Finally, another 2 weeks will then be allowed for dismantling and removal of the scaffolding.
The footpath running alongside the river will continue to be closed for the duration of these works.