Barston Village Faces Potential Isolation Over Historic Bridge Closure Threat
Frustrated residents in the picturesque village of Barston are expressing deep concerns that their community could become effectively cut off if a historic local bridge is permanently closed to vehicular traffic. The future of Barston Bridge, which has been a vital transport link for over 160 years, is currently hanging in the balance as Solihull Council deliberates over its fate.
Safety Concerns Prompt Drastic Options
The bridge, which carries Barston Lane over the River Blythe and dates back to 1859, first came under threat of closure last year due to significant safety concerns. This Grade II listed structure is used by more than 1,000 vehicles every single day, serving as a crucial artery for both local residents and through traffic.
Solihull Council has been consulting with the community on two starkly different options: either invest £2 million to completely replace the bridge with a modern structure capable of handling full highway loading at 40 tonnes capacity, or close it entirely to all motorised traffic, leaving it accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists.
Community Voices Their Concerns
During a recent visit by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the overwhelming majority of residents expressed strong support for full repair and maintenance of the bridge. "If they shut it you'll end up with a lot of fly tippers around there," warned one concerned villager, highlighting potential unintended consequences of closure.
Another long-term resident emphasised the bridge's continuous utility, stating: "It is worth keeping open. The council are saying they haven't got the money to repair it, but it is being used all the time."
Audree, who has lived in Barston for more than three decades, acknowledged the financial pressures facing the council but maintained: "It's a very pleasant place for people to live. I understand from the council's point of view it is a lot of money in very straightened times. But I really do think they should think about repairing it."
Traffic Observations and Economic Impacts
During a Tuesday afternoon visit at 3pm, observers counted more than 20 vehicles crossing the bridge in just 20 minutes, demonstrating its ongoing importance to local mobility. One resident highlighted multiple practical concerns, noting: "The farmers use it all the time. If you close it the pub (The Bulls Head) will suffer. The main consensus is the bridge needs to be sorted."
Roger, another village resident, expressed particular concern about emergency access and community facilities: "We are all very angry about it. It will kill Saint Swithin's Church because for the congregation it will be harder to get there. If we had a storm and trees came down (blocking other routes out the village), we'd be completely cut off if that bridge closes. We don't have a shop here. There are so many knock-on effects."
Diverging Opinions and Traffic Concerns
Not all residents share the same perspective, however. Baz offered a contrasting view: "I wouldn't mind if it shut. It's become a bit of a rat run. When we moved here 25 years ago, we had traffic but never too much. As Balsall Common has expanded, it's a direct route from there to Solihull – and they don't drive at 30mph here like they are supposed to."
Community Action and Protest
The strength of local feeling became dramatically apparent during a protest on February 4th, when villagers and councillors gathered directly on the bridge itself. In a particularly striking demonstration, local farmers participated in a convoy of tractors that travelled to Hampton in Arden and Knowle, visually illustrating the significant impact a bridge closure would have on surrounding villages and agricultural operations.
Council Response and Next Steps
The formal consultation period closed on February 4th, and a Solihull Council spokesperson confirmed: "No decision has been made on its future. The council is engaging directly with local residents, farmers and business owners and recently held a drop-in session in Barston to provide an opportunity for people to ask questions. A full report with results of the consultation will be taken to a future environment and infrastructure decision session where the cabinet member will decide which option to move forward with."
The community now awaits the council's decision, which will determine whether this historic bridge continues to serve vehicular traffic or becomes a pedestrian-only relic of Barston's transport history.
