Charity launches appeal to help replace Peak District bridge

The bridge was deemed unsafe and closed in 2020

A charity has launched an appeal to raise thousands of pounds to help replace a popular footbridge in the Peak District.

The wooden structure over the River Wye at Cressbrook links a number of villages with the Monsal Trail.

It was closed in 2020 after it was deemed to be unsafe.

The Peak District National Park Foundation (PDNPF) wants to replace the bridge but faces a bill of up to £200,000.

Originally built by the military in the 1980s, it was not formally the responsibility of any local organisation.

The Peak District National Park Authority has agreed to take responsibility for the 60ft (21m) bridge but does not have the funds to replace it.

Work to replace the bridge could cost up to £200,000

The authority said the length and "challenging" location meant there was no "off the shelf" replacement and this, along with a desire to use durable fibreglass in the construction, had pushed up costs.

Despite being unable to fund the replacement, the authority has said it will cover the £20,000 costs of removing the old bridge.

The PDNPF has given a £20,000 grant towards the project and the Access and Conservation Trust has given £10,000 but there is still a shortfall of potentially up to £150,000.

A spokesman for the PDNPF said: "This important old bridge used to link the much-loved concession footpath from Cressbrook to Litton with the open access land on the south side of Water-Cum-Jolly which joins the famous and well-used Monsal Trail.

"We now have the opportunity to apply for a significant project grant from the Farming in Protected Landscapes fund which would make the project possible in 2024.

"However, the application will be much stronger with additional donations from the community and make it more likely to be funded."

Organisers said they had to submit their bid at the end of February and so far the appeal has raised nearly £9,000.

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