Berwick Old Bridge hoardings

Hoarding changes bring festive cheer to Berwick nursing home

The council’s brought a spot of early Christmas cheer to a Berwick nursing home. 
 
Staff and residents at Tweedmouth House lost their usual inspiring view looking out across the River Tweed to Berwick when work got underway to restore and refurbish Berwick’s historic Old Bridge at the end of October. 
 
They were left facing several months looking out over plain wooden hoardings – until a request from management found its way to the council. 
Now the usual plain hoardings have been transformed, with a stonework effect background and iconic views of the town and north Northumberland landmarks. 
 
The residents and staff at Tweedmouth House nursing and residential care home said: “The hoardings have been covered beautifully and both the residents and staff are really enjoying them. 
 
“Not only are they lovely to look at but the residents have turned them into an activityThey identify the pictures then we get to hear stories from them when they visited these places, bringing back happy memories for them and making them smile. Thanks so much for brightening our Christmas up.” 
 
The bridge work is the latest phase is a £800,000 project that will involve waterproofing and repairs to the masonry parapets and has required scheduled ancient monument consent from Historic England as the bridge is a listed Grade 1 structure and of historic importance.  
It will build on the £250,000 funding already invested in its repair over the past year.   
 
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “Often when we carry out improvement works we have to put hoardings up for the safety of the public and our staff and these generally include site safety information and some public information about the works being undertaken by the Council. 
 
“When we saw the request about doing something extra to help improve the view for the care home residents over the next few months our sign shop was only too happy to make these great improvements and we’re delighted it’s brought a bit more cheer to residents during these difficult times.” 
 
The work’s also been welcomed by the local county councillors where the Old Bridge has been a focal structure connecting the town for centuries. 
Berwick East Councillor Georgina Hill said: “Construction sites are a sign of progress and investment but they are not known for being aesthetically pleasing! Therefore, it is great what the Council have created with these hoardings. Residents of Tweedmouth House, and others passing by, have been full of compliments about them.” 
 
Berwick North Councillor Catherine Seymour said: “I know that the view from inside this nursing home is fantastic looking across our old bridge and riverside to the town, so was an eyesore for residents seeing the wood hoardingsGood on the Council for covering them beautifully with artwork whilst heritage restoration is taking place. 
 
Member for Berwick West with Ord, Councillor Gregah Roughead said: “The funding for the Old Bridge project is one of many investments in the Berwick area over recent years.  
 
Hoardings, if not sympathetic to the character of the area can attract negativity during construction, so in this instance, I am very pleased the County Council have listened to and actioned upon this request to improve the visual impact upon the local community from the current works to the Old Bridge.” 
 
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