RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say before the end of the month on the long-held dream of a third road bridge over the Severn, linking Lydney and Sharpness.

It is one of six ambitious schemes put forward as part of Leadership Gloucestershire’s (LG) vision for 2050.

Lydney and the south of the county were previously connected by a rail bridge that was lost after a fatal barge accident in 1960 when five people died.

An LG spokesman said: “Plans to re-establish a crossing between Lydney and Sharpness have become relevant with the economic decline of the Forest of Dean and large-scale regeneration projects at Berkeley.

“A new crossing would provide a vital connection between districts, and access to the Forest; thereby addressing employment and economic regeneration, education and skills development, housing need, and retention of young people.

“The new crossing would provide a catalyst to grow the town of Lydney and to develop Sharpness from a small village to a town.

“It would improve their links to existing transport routes through the county, and create a re-energised economic centre. As well as maximising the tourism potential of the area, it would focus on enhancing employment opportunities and facilities to both retain and attract young professional families.

Residents have until July 31, to comment at www.glos2050.com