Walkers face £1,000 fine for using 'unsafe' bridge

The bridge, close to Blickling Hall near Aylsham, is set to be replaced

Walkers have been warned they could face a £1,000 fine for crossing an unsafe bridge.

Norfolk County Council closed Moorgate Bridge near Blickling Hall, Norfolk, in September after severe rot was found in the wooden structure.

Engineers initially hoped to repair the bridge, but following recent wet weather the council said an entirely new crossing was required.

Walkers face a two-mile detour to get to the other side of the River Bure and anyone caught breaking the traffic regulation order could be prosecuted.

The council said it was working on preparing a new design for a replacement bridge and that the order would be in place until at least August.

The current bridge is located north of the National Trust-managed Blickling Hall, near Aylsham, built on the ruins of a Tudor manor that is believed to be the birthplace of Ann Boleyn – King Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife.