Sheinton Bridge, pictured on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, not long after it collapsed that afternoon, by Sheinton resident Chris Wroe.
An historic village bridge, which collapsed following heavy flooding, will be replaced in the spring at a cost of around £500,000 – bringing to an end an 18 month wait.
Sheinton Bridge near Cressage gave way in October 2008, forcing villagers to have to travel miles out of their way as they waited for it to be repaired.
A £250,000 temporary bridge over the Sheinton Brook has been in operation for one year, but work will start on a 3.5m wide permanent structure in April, with a finish date expected in the autumn. The total cost of the project, including the hiring of the temporary bridge, is expected to hit the £500,000 mark and will include a passing bay for drivers.
Shropshire Council officials have confirmed that a public consultation on the design of the new bridge has not been carried out – to the dismay of parish councillors who claimed they were told residents would be consulted by the former Shropshire County Council.
Mike Rayner, chairman of Cressage, Harley and Sheinton Parish Council, said a letter had now been written to the council on the matter.
He said: “We were told the residents would be consulted about the design of the bridge but we haven’t heard anything yet. We have written to the council about this following the last parish council meeting three weeks ago.”
He added: “We have a very good temporary bridge here and there are some in the village who would be happy for it to stay. When the bridge first collapsed we had a meeting about it in Cressage Village Hall because people from Sheinton had to drive seven miles all the way to Cressage and seven miles back. It is usually just a mile over the bridge.”
Laura Owen, spokeswoman for Shropshire Council, said: “The new bridge, a single span arch, is expected to cost in the region of £500,000 and has been designed to withstand a once in 100 years flood plus an extra 20 per cent of flood water.
“The design includes the improvement of the vertical alignments of the road so that visibility is improved (previously a hump back bridge) and a vehicle passing bay on the north-west corner.
“People will continue to be able to use the temporary bridge whilst the work is being carried out. A public consultation was not carried out on the design of this new bridge. The previous bridge was listed, however as it was completely destroyed this listing has been removed for a replacement.”
By Charlotte Hester