Touts Bridge – important update
Dear Residents
I have recently been in contact with Melanie McKenna, our County-level Highways Officer for an update on Touts Bridge, as has the Clerk for Bish Nym (Ute) to discuss from their side.
The current state of play is that officially the bridge is closed and will remain closed until the repairs have been carried out, which are “expected soon” (whatever that means). Anyone crossing the bridge, if caught by the Police, will receive a fine – whether or not the closure signs and blocks are in place, which currently they are not courtesy of persons unknown. The Police have been informed by County that someone has tampered with the closure and safety measures, and Highways are considering putting more permanent restrictions in place.
Molland Parish Council has been in regular contact with Highways and our County Councillor Richard Hopley, as well as discussing the issue with various other key people at County. Richard and I have impressed upon them that this bridge is a vital part of the transport network into and out of Molland and beyond, and that the closures should be for as short a time as possible. We have also provided them with a more appropriate diversionary route for large vehicles (thanks Kate), as the original one went under a low and narrow bridge. We are assured that Highways understand the concerns (mainly around emergency vehicles, contractor and farming equipment, school-runs etc) and are progressing as quickly as they can, given financial and expertise constraints.
Your Parish Council understands how frustrating all of this is, but has no control over the workings of Highways, and can only badger on a regular basis for the works to be carried out and completed. In the meantime, please be aware of what I said above regarding the illegality of driving across the bridge and that it has been deemed unsafe to cross by Highways.
Thanks, Ian Fisher, Parish Clerk