Villagers' joy as flood-damaged bridge reopens

Major repairs, estimated to have cost about £75,000, have been carried out on the Rea Bridge across the River Rea in Neen Sollars, near Cleobury Mortimer, after major floods washed away one of the main walls and caused substantial damage to the parapets.

The bridge has been closed since the floods on July 14, leaving motor-ists facing a major diversion via Cleobury Mortimer and causing a headache for farmers trying to work on land either side of the river.

The news has been met with delight by villagers, who said it would make a major difference to the lives of people living in the area.

John Williams, bridge and structures manager for Shropshire Council, said depending on the weather it was planned for the bridge to be reopened to traffic over the weekend.

He said: "Flood waste caused damage to the parapets and one of the wing walls was swept away, but that has all been repaired with similar materials to the original as the bridge is listed."

Birgit Jones, who lives in the village, said: "It is great news. The scaffolding had all come down in recent days so we knew work was progressing well, but it is wonderful to hear the bridge will reopen soon.

"It has been three months for villagers and I know it will mean a lot to have the bridge back in use.

"It is a long round trip for people who have to do it daily – especially if they get stuck in traffic in Cleobury Mortimer.

"It will be a big relief for everyone in the village and for local farmers who have been having to farm on both sides of the river.

"It looks like the contractors have done a good job, too, and the bridge looks very smart."

The floods in July also forced people in the village out of their homes and caused substantial damage on a residential park for over-50s at nearby Diggers Bank, where another bridge was washed away and scores of residents were threatened with evacuation amid fears gas pipes had been ruptured.