'Bailey' bridge to be demolished

River Frome: photo by Andrew Bryant

A bridge over the River Frome in Somerset is to be demolished with no plans yet for a replacement.

The Bailey-style bridge, built in 1986, is a variant of the original classic design used by the military in WWII.

It was closed to traffic in 2006 due to safety concerns and despite talks over its future, no firm plans were made.

Mendip district council had originally allocated £114,000 to replace the structure, but said it did not appear to be a high priority for residents.

The money went back into the spending pot, with £15,000 set aside for the demolition work.

Last November, the authority sought views from residents on whether the bridge should be replaced.

Council leader Harvey Siggs said: "Frome is clearly heavily divided in a variety of opinions as to whether they want it replaced.

"What we've stopped doing is having pots of money earmarked for two, three, four years doing nothing. We haven't removed any money, we're just not leaving money in parcels, not doing any good.

I would like to see a swift replacement of the current structure, a handsome stone-built pedestrian bridge which enhances the town centre John Hyde, Friends of the Somerset River Frome

"If it becomes a priority that we replace this bridge once it's taken down, we'll go back to the main budget and bid for money."

A Vision for Frome document, laying out a plan for the town's future, is currently being drawn up.

Although it will not provide an immediate solution, the council said, the process will help order priorities for what local people believe to be the most pressing needs.

John Hyde, from the Friends of the Somerset River Frome said: "It's no beauty, its an ugly little thing.

"I would like to see a swift replacement of the current structure, a handsome stone-built pedestrian bridge which enhances the town centre."