News / Kingsweston
‘Fix our bridge, save scaffold hire’
It is now six years since a historic iron bridge was hit by a lorry, with the Grade II-listed structure remaining covered in scaffolding and closed to pedestrians ever since.
The bridge over Kings Weston Road was built in the early 1800s connecting the grounds of Kingsweston House and Blaise Castle.
In the six years the scaffolding has been in place, the bridge has been hit a further two times, with local people organising a protest on Sunday to highlight the city council’s inaction.
is needed now More than ever
Those who attended the protest are concerned that it will take a serious injury or even a death until any repairs are made.
“How can it take six years to get nothing done!” asked one of the lead Save the Iron Bridge campaigners, Janet Poole.
The historic iron bridge connects Kingsweston Estate and Blaise Castle – photo: Claire Coyne
At the protest, signs included ‘Fix our bridge, save scaffold hire’ and Bristol City Council being able to find millions of pounds to help fund the refurbishment of Bristol Beacon while only spending money on scaffolding surrounding the bridge.
One campaigner, Claire Coyne, who lives in Coombe Dingle and is a director of the Bristol Credit Union, told Bristol24/7 that “our beautiful landmark should be restored so it can be used to cross that terrible road”.
She said: “I would also like it to be restored because it is listed and our little landmark and I feel that if it were near a school in other parts of Bristol a solution and funding would have been found by now.”
‘Fix our bridge, save scaffold hire’ – photo: Janet Poole
Protesters made reference to the money Bristol City Council have spent on the refurbishment of the Colston Hall, now called Bristol Beacon – photo: Janet Poole
‘I’m in danger’ said one sign – photo: Janet Poole
Another sign handpainted by a young protester – photo: Janet Poole
Historic England say that they “do consider that a feasible solution is within reach” but they urge that “action is needed”.
Options include raising the bridge or adding ‘goalposts’ on the road ahead of the bridge to prevent over-height vehicles reaching it.
In a statement, Bristol City Council said: “Kingsweston bridge is an important part of the local area. Raising the bridge is a complex process which requires discussions regarding accessibility issues and the overall local impact.
“Our transport and planning teams are continuing to pursue an appropriate engineering solution to this issue, working with Historic England while taking into account the other pressing infrastructure priorities being faced by the city.”
Main photo: Janet Poole
Read more: ‘It’s been five years, get it fixed’
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