'We got jobs looking after historic toll bridge'

Nikki Wilcock said she loves interacting with local residents every day

A couple have described life becoming live-in toll-keepers at what is thought to be one of Lancashire's last remaining traditional toll bridges.

Cartford Bridge was built across the River Wyre between Little Eccleston and Out Rawcliffe by the squire of Rawcliffe Hall in 1831.

Nikki Wilcock took up the role in 2021 after taking redundancy from a local government job along with her partner, Steve Houghton, who gave up his position with a drinks vending company.

The couple, who live in a purpose-built home by the bridge, said they "have not looked back" and love working outdoors and meeting local residents every day.

Cartford Bridge is almost 200 years old

The pair had answered an advert from the bridge's owner seeking a "driven" couple who "must be willing to work outdoors".

The role sees them supervising a team of toll-collectors manning the payment stations, and maintaining the site.

The owner said two generations of the same family had served at the bridge for the previous three decades.

The bridge was built after the squire of Rawcliffe Hall's gamekeeper and dairyman drowned crossing the ford it would replace.

Steve Houghton and his partner said they relish their outdoor roles

Ms Wilcock said when she heard about the position she and her partner decided to go for it.

"It was time for a change," she said.

"We just wanted to do something a bit different. We thought that would be good."

The bridge, which dates back almost 200 years, is still very busy particularly during the rush hour, the 51-year-old said.

"It is quick and convenient for a lot of the locals," she said.

The couple live in a purpose-built house by the bridge

Mr Houghton, 56, said if the crossing was closed it would be a seven-mile journey for people to get to the other side.

And it seems their jobs are safe, as there are no plans afoot to automate the toll bridge.

"Because it is cash and card there would still need to be someone here on site permanently to keep their eye on the machines," he said.