Bridge repair could cost £75k, councillors hear

The canal bridge was damaged by vandals last year

Repairs to a historic bridge which was attacked by vandals may not begin for several years, councillors heard.

Bricks and masonry were broken off White Bridge in Endon, Staffordshire, and pushed into the Caldon Canal last year.

Endon Parish Council held a meeting with the Canal & River Trust and other groups, including local residents, to discuss the issue.

Engineers from the trust told them it could cost about £75,000 to repair the damage.

The work was scheduled to take place in 2027 but emergency work elsewhere could delay this, councillors heard.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “There was a constructive discussion as to how funds could be raised in order to bring the date forward and attendees will follow up a series of suggestions and plans over the coming weeks.

“In the meantime the rights of ways officer from Staffordshire County Council will meet to discuss ways of making the bridge safe for users.

“The parish council will be supporting the installation of a CCTV camera to cover the area.”

A spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust said the damage to the bridge was significant and it hoped repairs would begin "sooner rather than later".

As a charity, it had "limited funds" and would welcome any contributions or donations, they added.