Popular Exmoor footbridge closed over safety fears

Temporary modifications of the bridge are being looked into "urgently"

A popular footbridge in Exmoor has been shut over safety fears.

The Hinds Pitt bridge, near the Tarr Steps circular walk, in Somerset, has been deemed unsafe after structural failures.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) said it was working on a plan for a long-term replacement, reinstating public access.

ENPA access and recreation manager, Dan Barnett, said: "The bridge has been there since the 1950s and some key parts of the steel structure have deteriorated to a point where they are no longer safe."

He said while they hoped to replace the bridge, the process would "take some time" to develop due to seeking agreement from relevant landowners and raising the "considerable funds required".

Mr Barnett said temporary modifications of the bridge were possible, and they were looking into it "urgently" to allow the bridge to open while they planned for its replacement.

"In the meantime, the Tarr Steps site is otherwise open for everyone to enjoy, including short walks there and back on either side of the river and all the longer walks in the area are fully open too," he said.

"The popular long distance footpath the Two Moors Way is still passable using an alternative route on the west bank of the river," he added.