Redbrook bridge was the hot topic at a recent meeting of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty association in the historic Boat pub.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss a proposal to win lottery funding for the conservation and restoration of the bridge between Penallt and Redbrook.

This particular bridge is only one of a few along this stretch of the river in need of restoration but has been singled out because it is the only one that is used to link two communities.

Kate Biggs from Wye Valley AONB said: "The 'Black Bridge' is so important for people in Penallt and in Redbrook.

"It is arterial for the pubs, village shop and primary school, which is why it has been chosen to be restored."

A recent engineering study deems that the current foot bridge is only going to last 20 years.

Wye Valley AONB have proposed a plan to make the initial request for lottery funding of around £600,000. The recent meeting was to asess local support and to discuss the different possible ways of restoring and renovating the bridge.

There are a couple of suggestions for the restoration, including restoring the main bridge and/ or renovating the footbridge on the side.

"I'm not sure about the renovation," said Boat landlady Shaleen Goodman.

"At the moment the bridge is fine and it seems an awful lot of money to be spent on something that isn't entirely necessary.

"What is really important though is that the bridge does not shut."

This is something that is very clear, not only for the drinkers who like to cross the river to the local pubs but also for the four children who cross the bridge every day from Penallt to go to school in Redbrook.

There are also scores of walkers and cyclists who follow the Wye Valley Walk and Offas Dyke Trail over the bridge and along the river.

"Even during the proposed works we would ensure the bridge stayed open or only shut for a couple of times overnight," added Kate.

There is much local support and the AONB are asking interested parties to fill in and return their questionnaire, which can be picked up in the local pubs and at Redbrook Stores.

Kate said: "The more people who are interested and enthusiastic about the restoration the better it is for our planned Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

"If you use the bridge or think it is important to our local heritage, please take time to fill out a form."