BRIDGES share positive signs of progression following the Storm Claudia aftermath.

There have been encouraging signs of progress at Bridges Community Centre following the flood which hit the town on November 15, resulting in business owners and residents devastated to see the impact it had caused.

While the building remains closed to the public, recovery efforts are steadily moving forward, with contractors, surveyors and specialist teams continuing their work throughout the site.

One particularly symbolic milestone came recently as the large industrial dehumidifiers, which have been running for months to dry out the historic building, were finally packed away, marking the end of one phase of the recovery and beginning of the next.

Recent weeks have also seen further survey work taking place, including inspections to roofing, guttering and underfloor area to assess the long-term condition of the building and ensure restoration work is carried out carefully and sympathetically within the Grade II* listed property.

Despite the challenges, the spirit around Bridges remains remarkably positive.

The Bridges Community Centre Shop, which reopened earlier this year, continues to be well supported by local residents, with volunteers reporting strong decisions and a particularly good selection of summer clothing and household items, currently in stock.

Community fundraising has also continued at pace. Tickets are now on sale for an upcoming fundraising concert featuring AfroWelsh connection, a seven-piece brand blending the sounds of West African griots with Welsh musical traditions.

The event takes place at Monmouth Priory on Saturday July 18, with all proceedings supporting Bridges and its ongoing recovery.

Meanwhile, Bridges’ county-wide wellbeing services continue to support residents across Monmouthshire despite the loss of the Drybridge House base. Projects include: befriending, volunteering support, autism family services, social circles and the Community Car Scheme have continued operating from alternative locations across the county.

There have also been lighter moments amid the disruption. Staff recently uncovered a previously hidden attic room within Drybridge House during ongoing investigations into the building, a discovery that sparked plenty of excitement and curiosity among volunteers and long-time supporters alike.

Ben Ford from Bridges Community Centre: “Obviously none of us would have chosen the last few months, but there’s a real sense now that we are moving forwards rather than standing still. Every survey completed, every room cleared and every contractor visit feels like another small step towards reopening.

“What has kept everyone going has been the support from the local community. Whether it’s people donating to the shop, attending events, volunteering their time or simply checking in on us, it genuinely means a huge amount.”

Although a full reopening remains some way off, Bridges says it hopes to begin reopening part of Drybridge House during 2026 as restoration work progresses.