Solihull Villagers Fear Being 'Cut Off' as Historic Bridge Faces Closure Over Funding Crisis
Senior councillors in Solihull have expressed their desire to keep Barston Bridge open, but council officers have reiterated that there is no money available for the essential repairs needed to ensure its safety. The future of the bridge, which spans the River Blythe, has been plunged into doubt due to significant safety concerns, sparking a growing campaign among local residents.
Historic Bridge at Risk with Over 1,000 Daily Vehicles
Dating back to 1859, Barston Bridge carries Barston Lane over the river to the east of the village, serving more than 1,000 vehicles daily. The council's options are stark: replace the bridge with a new structure capable of handling full highway loading at 40 tonnes capacity, costing an estimated £2 million, or close it to all traffic, leaving it accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists. This potential closure has raised fears among villagers of being isolated and cut off from essential routes.
Consultation Ends Amid Rolling Convoy Protests
A public consultation period, which ended last month, gave residents the opportunity to voice their opinions on the bridge's fate. The campaign against closure has included a rolling convoy protest, organized by farmers and locals, to demonstrate the severe impact that losing this historic crossing would have on the community and local agriculture. At a recent cabinet portfolio holder meeting for environment and infrastructure, Councillor Kathyrn Thomas questioned whether funds would be available if the consultation responses overwhelmingly favored replacement.
Officer Dean Ward, the council's head of highway infrastructure, responded bluntly: "No, there is not. At this point we do not have the funds to do a full scale bridge replacement. Our revenue and capital budgets for bridges and structures are primarily and almost wholly used each year for replacement of things like vehicle restraint systems on the roads, and maintenance. But it is not of the quantum that would sufficiently deal with paying for a replacement of a new bridge."
Council Seeks External Funding as Solution
Ward suggested that the council would need to look to secure funding from external sources, such as the West Midlands Combined Authority or other funding authorities, depending on the outcome of a business case. The issue was also raised at the latest full council meeting on February 26, where the cabinet portfolio holder, Councillor Ken Hawkins, stated, "My position is clear, I want the bridge to remain open." However, he acknowledged that the decision would follow the consultation results.
Councillor Samantha Gethen raised concerns about the economic impact on the agricultural community, asking about formal engagement with affected landowners regarding alternative private crossings. Coun Hawkins replied that the issue has been ongoing for a couple of years, with a weight limit approved 18 months ago, and assured that there has been extensive engagement with farmers, maintaining an ongoing dialogue.
The situation highlights the broader challenges faced by local councils in maintaining aging infrastructure amid budget constraints. As the community awaits a final decision, the fate of Barston Bridge remains uncertain, with residents hoping for a solution that prevents their village from being severed from vital transport links.
