A village road bridge could soon be open to traffic again – with the help of a specially heated tent.
Shropshire Council contractors have been unable to complete work on damaged Fitz Bridge due to the big freeze.
But they now claim to have found a solution – to the relief of farmers and livestock owners whose animals are marooned by the closure.
The problems began on October 14 when the bridge, between Montford Bridge and Leaton, was struck by a large vehicle.
Council officials closed the bridge to motor vehicles, repair work started on December 1 and it had been hoped the bridge would re-open by Christmas.
But first high water levels in the River Perry and now freezing temperatures preventing mortar from setting have delayed the project.
‘Nightmare’
In the meantime, council officials put up a roadblock to stop motorists using the narrow lane through Mytton as an alternative route following complaints from residents.
Emma Mason, of Grafton, who keeps four horses at Fitz, is one of several livestock owners who have a detour of at least two miles through Walford Heath to get to their fields.
“It’s a logistical nightmare because my field is situated between the roadblock and the bridge,” Miss Mason said.
“If I decide to park at the other side of the roadblock, I have to make several journeys, with a wheelbarrow full of hay, rugs and feed bowls, through the village.
“My horses need feeding and checking twice a day - more in this cold weather - and the detour has cost me an extra £750 in petrol to date. And the bill for a local farmer whose cattle are kept between the bridge and the blockade has run into thousands.”
She added: “Three months down the line, we are all getting pretty sick of the situation.”
Council spokesman Laura Owen said: “Our contractors, Enterprise, are currently working with their sub-contractors to design a tent to cover the bridge so that repair work can start.
“This tent, to be erected tomorrow, Friday, will be heated to allow work to start next week. We hope to open the bridge a week on Monday, January 18.”
By Peter Johnson