Planned toll rise for River Thames Whitchurch Bridge 'greedy'

The Grade II-listed metal structure was built across the River Thames in 1902

A company whose bridge links two counties has been branded "greedy" over plans to increase toll charges by 50%.

The operators of Whitchurch Bridge, between Oxfordshire and Berkshire, have applied to increase charges from 40p to 60p.

Residents and campaigners have objected to the increase and have called for the bridge over the River Thames to be taken over by a local council.

The Secretary of State will decide whether to approve the rise next month.

Owner the Whitchurch Bridge Company, which operates the crossing between Whitchurch-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, and Pangbourne, West Berkshire, said the increase was "necessary".

It said the extra revenue was needed to pay for a recent £6m reconstruction project, which overran by five months and was £2m over budget.

Pangbourne resident Patricia Loveland said: "I think it's outrageous and greedy.

The work was originally due to finish in April 2014, but was delayed by flooding and river conditions

"It's also not giving due importance to the fact that we were unable to use the bridge for months longer than was originally committed - it's a very significant rise."

The privately-owned bridge saves a 20 minute detour via Caversham and Streatley.

A community meeting is being held on Friday at Whitchurch Village Hall to discuss the planned increase.

The 112-year-old toll bridge closed in October 2013 and reopened on 26 September last year.

The toll was doubled in 2008 from 20p to 40p following an application by the company.