Diversion misery as works close Platt Mill Bridge

Lorry drivers and farmers are facing the misery of diversions of as much as 30 miles when an historic river bridge closes from Saturday for up to three weeks.

No traffic will be able to cross the Platt Mill Bridge, which carries the B4397 Baschurch to Ruyton-XI-Towns road over the River Perry. Locally owned cars and other light vehicles will be able to use a one-way route around local lanes.

But through traffic and larger vehicles will be diverted via Shotatton Crossroads, Whittington, Ellesmere and Burlton, a journey of about 30 miles.

One farmer who has land on both sides of the bridge says it will make life horrendous.

Drivers trying to avoid the Shrewsbury Flower Show hold-ups by using the well known "rat run" route, could be the first affected.

Shropshire Council says the closure is needed for essential repairs to be carried out to the bridge.

Traffic has been restricted to single file only under traffic light control since January 2011 when its north-western wing wall was found to be leaning heavily.

John and Linda Hamlett farm at The Marches, close to the bridge.

Mrs Hamlett said: "It is going to be horrendous.

"John has fields both sides of the bridge and is a contractor. He is going to face long diversions to get to the land along lanes that are really narrow.

"We asked the council to do 24-hour working to get the work done more quickly but this was apparently not possible."

Access over the bridge for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will remain available throughout the work.

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council cabinet member, said provided that the weather was good, the closure period was only expected to last for a fortnight.

"The closure period has been carefully chosen to avoid impacting on school traffic and the summer harvest season," he said.

"Although it is appreciated that the closure of the bridge will cause inconvenience, every reasonable effort will be made to reopen it as soon as possible."

Aggie Caesar-Homden, Shropshire councillor for Ruyton and Baschurch, said: "We have worked closely with local businesses and farmers to find a time to close the bridge which has less impact on them."

By Sue Austin