Oxfordshire campaigners blame Environment Agency for footbridge delay

Marsh Lock Horsebridge has been closed for two years

Campaigners have blamed the Environment Agency (EA) for a delay in reopening a footbridge over the River Thames that has been closed for two years.

The agency recently confirmed it legally owns Marsh Lock Horsebridge, near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

Walkers and cyclists have expressed anger at the closure, which they said is adding an almost three-mile detour.

The EA said it was important to ensure the bridge, which was closed in 2022 over safety fears, was safe.

Cyclist Jay, who has been using the route regularly, said it was ideal for people "not that confident in cycling"

The structure is on the Thames Path walking trail, and walkers said a temporary diversion through private land has now been blocked off.

"And so that means, we've got this huge diversion a long way from the Thames, going partly on road, partly on footpath, up a steep muddy hill," said councillor David Bartholomew.

Stefan Gawrysiak, councillor for Henley Town and District, said a dispute over the ownership of the bridge had "wasted" two years in getting it repaired.

The only alternative route now involves crossing the main A road twice, he added.

Cyclist Jay said the closed route was ideal for those "not that confident in cycling".

Councillor for Henley Town and District Stefan Gawrysiak is one of the campaigners calling for change

A spokesperson for the EA said it had initially closed the bridge in May 2022 over "concerns about public safety".

They said an engineering assessment of the bridge had highlighted "161 individual bridge elements that either need replacing or remedial work".

The spokesperson said the works were "likely to cost over £1m".

The EA said it understood "the frustration" around the closure but it was important to ensure the bridge was "safe to access".

The possibility of a temporary crossing over the existing bridge has been discussed with Oxfordshire County Council, they added.

The Environmental Agency said the bridge was likely to require "either a major refurbishment or replacement which is likely to cost over £1m"

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