PROPOSED WORK ESSENTIAL TO KEEP WATER FLOWING IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE PROPERTIES

A close-up of part of the pipe on the County Bridge which Anglian Water is seeking permission to remove and replace with a new one.

North Lincolnshire Council has yet to announce a decision on whether to grant listed building consent to replace the old cast iron water main on the side of the early 19th century Brigg County Bridge.
Anglian Water Services has submitted the application and Brigg Town Council - consulted as part of the planning process - has raised no objections.
Anglian Water wants to install a new 250mm diameter ductile iron pipe, also referred to in the application as "proposed fabricated steel pipe" hung from the side of the bridge by brackets.
The intention is to use a temporary overland main during the duration of the work to the grade two listed structure.
The plans submitted to the council also suggest closure of part of the riverside walkway from the Market Place side of the bridge, alongside the RSPCA shop, while the installation is taking place.
The utility company says a street lighting column near the White Hart pub will have to be taken down "with North Lincolnshire Council approval" if it interferes with "crane operation."
Anglian Water also wants the road over the County Bridge to be closed for the duration of the work. This is, of course, within the pedestrian area with only emergency services vehicles supposed to use it as access.
Anglian Water's statement to the council says the old pipe is old and subject to leaks and bursts.
Long-standing Brigg Blog readers will recall our coverage of one such "leak" which provided Brigg with a mini-fountain on the County Bridge and which took a lot longer to fix than many expected.
Icicles hanging down during winter leaks have also proved a talking point.
Anglian Water stresses: "The development proposed is essential to maintain the supply of drinking water to existing customers located to the east of County Bridge."
At the request of what's described as the planning and listed building officer, the new pipe will be given a black wrapping and the brackets painted black to minimise the impact on the character and appearance of the bridge.
North Lincolnshire Council says it will welcome comments on this application from the public until August 15. The decision is being "delegated" to council officers and will not go before the elected representatives who sit on the planning committee, which holds monthly meetings in Scunthorpe to rule on controversial and major applications.
Any Brigg Blog readers wishing to make their views known - for or against the application - should email planning@northlincs.gov.uk