Ottery St Mary bridge shut in 2023 set for repairs

A "vital" footbridge in East Devon which has been closed to the public for almost two years is being dismantled so it can be repaired.

Coleridge Bridge, which links the two parts of Ottery St Mary, was closed to the public in December 2023 after being hit by a tree, which damaged its deck and truss.

Devon County Council said the delayed repairs were due to "environmental considerations" in planning the work with the Environment Agency.

Councillor Jess Bailey said she was optimistic the "absolutely vital link for residents" would be repaired and opened to the public in September.

A platform was built to accommodate the large crane needed to lift the bridge sections

A crane was being used to dismantle the bridge in sections before it would be transported off site for repairs, project staff said.

Bailey said: "I'm delighted we have reached this major milestone in the re-instatement of Coleridge Bridge.

"The footbridge is an absolutely vital link for residents of Ottery St Mary and students of the Kings School.

"I'm really optimistic that the bridge will be opened in September which will be excellent news."

Consideration from the Environment Agency was needed as repair work to the bridge's central support involved working within the riverbed.

Councillor Dan Thomas said: "Everyone would have wanted this work to have got under way sooner.

"There's been a lot of discussions and planning with the Environment Agency in advance of getting on site to ensure environmental considerations have been factored into the work."