Wardens at bird sanctuary travel by boat (From Stroud News and Journal)

Wardens at bird sanctuary travel by boat

10:57am Tuesday 6th January 2009 in News By Rachel Clare

WARDENS at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre travelled to work by boat today, Tuesday, while a canal footbridge was removed.

Patch Bridge, a hand-cranked swing bridge over Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, is being replaced by a stronger motorised one, more suitable for visiting coaches.

Some 25 wardens rowed to the wildfowl sanctuary to reach the birds.

The centre is closed to the public but will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7.

The project to replace Patch Bridge is run by British Waterways and Gloucestershire County Council, with work continuing until March 30.

Staff will have to travel by boat on two further days - March 6 and March 24 - when the new bridge will be installed.