Villagers asked to help fund bridge renovations

Authorities in Veltheim and Holderbank want to reopen a bridge over the river Aare that links the two villages. The bridge has been closed since 2008 over safety concerns.

Public and private funds have already been allocated to the project, but not enough, according to news agencies.

So the communes are appealing to local residents to top up the budget via a crowdfunding campaign.

Launched on Friday, the campaign on online platform ideenkicker.ch appeals for residents to contribute towards a 20,000 franc target.

It's the first time crowdfunding has been used to fund a public infrastructure project  in Switzerland. But it  remains to be seen if the campaign will succeed.

Currently it has a long way to go. Only one person has donated so far, pledging just 20 francs.