New bridge owner will 'cash in'

The bridge was owned by the same family for 180 years

A Grade II listed toll bridge has gone on the market in Herefordshire and will earn a new owner up to £36,000 a year, tax-free.

The Whitney-on-Wye Bridge is protected from taxation because of a parliamentary act that was passed in 1779.

The river crossing comes complete with a tollhouse, fishing rights, a jetty and over two acres of land, and is priced at nearly £300,000.

Up to 70,000 vehicles use the bridge every year, paying up to £1 a time.

Extensive renovations

The first bridge was built in 1779 but it, along with two subsequent bridges, was washed away by floodwaters.

A stone and timber construction that was erected in the early 19th century has survived until the present day and was extensively renovated in 1993.

Current toll bridge fees

Pedal cycle - 5p

Motor cycle - 10p

Goods vehicle (under 7.5 tonnes) - 50p

Passenger vehicle (up to 16 seats) - 50p

Passenger vehicle (more than 16 passengers) - £1

The same family owned the latest bridge for 180 years before being sold in the early 1990s. The current owners inherited it in a will.

John Mitchell, who is handling the sale for HLL Humberts Leisure, said: "I suppose it is an early example of the public-private partnership.

"Local people needed a bridge and had to do it by way of an Act of Parliament.

"The bridge was privately built and as an incentive, no taxes are levied against the tolls."

The original statute protecting that position states: "The said bridge shall not be rated, assessed for or towards any public or parish rate or duty whatsoever."

Tourists flock to the area every year to visit the Golden Valley which lies between Monmouth and Hay-on-Wye.