FEARS that the closure of the footbridge connecting Erneside Shopping Centre with Enniskillen town centre will badly affect trade in the county town have been averted – for now.
The bridge was to be closed from the end of May for five weeks until the first week of July. The structure, which is used by many shoppers in Enniskillen, is a direct link between the busy Erneside Shopping Centre and the town centre.
The closure is due to essential maintenance and painting work which is required to keep the bridge in use. However the work has now been posted until September instead of in the height of the busy tourism season which could have had detrimental effects for business.
The previous timing of the closure had been criticised but centre Manager Jim Masterson, pictured below, defended the decision and highlighted the importance of ensuring the bridge is safe for users.
He also encouraged other businesses in Enniskillen to capitalise on the closure by extending their opening hours or holding events to be proactive and retain customers in the town centre.
However Mr Masterson has since confirmed the immediate re-opening of the footbridge throughout the remainder of the summer months.
He told the Herald: “It is expected that this work will now take place during September. This decision has been taken as the bridge will need to undergo a series of constructional inspections to establish whether the scaffolding design is suitable and the bridge has the capacity to withstand the additional weight the scaffolding would place upon it.
“Customers can be assured the footbridge remains a safe, convenient and vital link between the town centre and Erneside. We also appreciate the understanding and patience that our customers and tenants have shown during this time,” he added.
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