In a meeting of the Formal Council Questions and Responses, Newport Council addressed concerns about the ongoing Transporter Bridge restoration project, including potential costs and delays related to the gondola cables. Councillor Stowell-Corten, Cabinet Member for Communications and Culture, responded to questions about the project's budget and timeline.

Transporter Bridge Restoration Project

Councillor Fouweather raised concerns about the Newport Transporter Bridge, specifically regarding the potential need to replace the gondola cables and the impact on the project's budget and timeline.

Councillor Stowell-Corten, Cabinet Member for Communications and Culture, explained that the bridge was surveyed during the project's development phase, and necessary repairs were included in the awarded contracts. She noted that the condition of the bridge's components varied, with some sections being in worse condition than expected and others in better condition.

Regarding the gondola cables, Councillor Stowell-Corten stated that they did not require replacement at the time of the original survey. However, further testing and servicing of all electrical equipment would take place in the coming months.

Councillor Stowell-Corten also referenced additional funding secured from the UK Government for an enhanced level of restoration to the bridge, including repairs and upgrades to the bridge's electrical systems and restoration work on the gondola. She directed Councillor Fouweather to a press release about the funding boost.

Councillor Stowell-Corten suggested that Councillor Fouweather share the source of their information with the council so that officers working on the project could address their concerns directly.