One of the last examples of a wooden pedestrian railway footbridge in Wales has been restored and re-opened.
The Grade 2 listed Ogilvie Halt Footbridge, in Deri, has been given a new lease of life with grant aid from the Heads of the Valleys Programme. Darran Valley Community Council and the Deri Historical Society have also been actively involved in the project.
Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Cllr Vera Jenkins joined guests on site to officially re-open the footbridge to the public.
The timber structure was built in the late 19th Century to allow passengers using the Ogilvie railway halt to cross over the main Merthyr to Brecon Railway and the local Cilhaul mineral line.
The bridge was listed by Cadw for its historic importance thanks to the efforts of two local residents – Mrs Mary Bowen and Mrs Jean Jones.
Cllr Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration said: “It was fantastic to see this unique footbridge being used once again by the local community. We have a rich industrial heritage here in the county borough and it is always encouraging to see projects like this which help restore and protect these landmarks from our past.”
After the ceremony, the guests were invited to nearby Parc Cwm Darran for another special event – the launch of a new joint social enterprise project at the park’s visitor centre café.
The Lakeside Café at Parc Cwm Darran is being run by Caerphilly County Borough Council and charity Drive.
The café will provide employment training and work experience for people with learning disabilities.