Replica of Royal Albert Bridge spotted in Shifnal

A miniature of the Royal Albert Bridge can be seen on the outskirts of Shifnal, and has been captured by a local photographer.

Peter Hassall, of Park Court in Shifnal, took the pictures earlier this week.

He said he understands the bridge was built by 1975 by Robert Head who was a business partner with Jim O'Connor setting up Newpool Construction Limited in 1973.

Newpool Construction formerly owned the site close to the Wolverhampton Road in Shifnal, but it is now the site of a new housing development.

He said: "I managed to get close and take this picture, with the permission of the landowner.

"I compared it with the real Brunel's bridge which spans the River Tamar at Saltash, Cornwall and was impressed with it's accuracy to detail at a scale of 1:22.6 - something I feel should be preserved in memory of the world's greatest engineer."

And Redrow Homes, who now own the land and are turning it into a new development called the Uplands said that is exactly what they plan to do.

Mark Marsh, technical director for Redrow Homes Midlands, said: “The model of the Royal Albert Bridge is really quite special as it’s all that remains of a model railway that ran through part of the site where we’re now building new homes.

"The model railway had been created by the former landowner, who was a railway enthusiast, but the tracks had already been removed when we acquired the land.

"However, the railway will be remembered fondly by local people, especially as the bridge can be seen from Wolverhampton Road.

“It’s a unique feature and a real talking point for visitors to our development and people are understandably curious about what will happen to it. We’re pleased to say we will be taking very good care of the bridge and helping to bring it back to its former glory.

"The area where it stands is home to Great Crested Newts, a protected species, and so we’re looking at how we can maintain and preserve the bridge while also being mindful of protecting the newts. It’s all part of the surrounding landscape, open space and wildlife habitat that adds to the ambience of our homes.”