The first public indication has come as to whether or not Brigg council tax payers will support the idea of improving the County Bridge - and perhaps paying a bit extra to help bring that about.
The Town Council has taken the unusual step of asking residents - through a form in Brigg Matters magazine - whether they wish to see refurbishment of the bridge, possibly resulting in a short-term rise in the parish precept.
Giving an update on progress so far, Coun Tom Glossop told the Annual Town Public Meeting that responses were "quite evenly split at the moment."
A show of hands in the room then showed very clear support for the idea - at least among those public-spirited residents who supported the annual get-together with councillors.
Coun Glossop explained the aim was to get the bridge restored to its former glory. He stressed "funding sources" were available and Brigg people would not be asked for "an extortionate amount" if things went down that route.
Recalling shop front renewals and the pedestrianisation scheme, he said of the County Bridge: "This is a very important part of the regeneration of Brigg which was left undone."
Earlier in the evening, during the Town Council's monthly meeting, Coun Glossop reported on talks held with North Lincolnshire Council officers during which the question had been raised about whether the bridge might be reduced in status from a highway to pedestrian-only.
He sensed "the will was there" to progress the scheme at North Lincolnshire level.
The next stage is likely to be Brigg Town Council considering the responses received from the public about the County Bridge through the Brigg Matters form. Councillors will then need to judge what, if any, mandate they have received and what action they propose to take.
Coun Ann Eardley identified the walkway on the side of the bridge as being in particular need of attention, and Coun Glossop assured her that would form part of any improvement scheme.
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