Petition calls for quick repair to listed bridge

Ditchford Bridge in Rushden could be closed until August next year

A petition is calling for repairs to a town's Grade II listed bridge to be carried out as soon as possible.

Ditchford Bridge in Rushden, Northamptonshire, has been shut since August, when it was hit by a combine harvester. A council road closure notice does not expire until August 2025.

Paige Rose, the local resident who started the petition, said it was "crucial infrastructure" for the community, and she "urged" the local authority to "expedite the repair".

A spokesman for North Northamptonshire Council said it was "working hard" to advance the work.

'Affects our emergency services'

Ms Rose said the closure "affects our daily commute, local businesses, and emergency services".

Ditchford Bridge is thought to date from 1330 and is a "scheduled monument", a classification given to historic buildings of national importance.

The council issued a year-long road closure notice - which expires on 15 August 2025 - so highways inspectors can assess the damage.

Matt Binley, a Conservative councillor with responsibility for highways and travels, said: "Before any repairs can start, scheduled monument consent is required from Historic England.

"When this is in place an Environment Agency permit is then needed to erect a scaffold adjacent to the damaged area to repair and rebuild the post and rail and the parapet.

"It is expected it will take about one year to complete the work and reopen the road.”

Historic England said it was up to the local authority to carry out the necessary repairs.