Cobham: Bridge that featured on Netflix in need of £250K for replacement

After a routine inspection, the Painshill Park Trust in Cobham, Surrey, was advised that its bridge had structural issues

A bridge which featured in Netflix's Bridgerton is in need of a £250,000 replacement due to damage.

After a routine inspection in March last year, the Painshill Park Trust in Cobham, Surrey, was advised that its Chinese bridge had structural issues.

As a precaution, the bridge was closed before further investigations ruled that it would need to be replaced, with an expected cost of £250,000.

The trust is now calling on the public to help fund the restoration project.

King Charles crossed the bridge during a visit to Painshill in 1987

Created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton, Painshill is maintained by the trust, with over 200,000 visitors each year.

The bridge was built in 1760 and restored in the 1980s but after 40 years of use, the supporting pillars are unstable, the trust said.

A floating pontoon has been installed as a temporary measure to allow visitors to cross the lake.

The bridge has featured in television shows including the first season of Netflix's Bridgerton and BBC children's show ChuckleVision.

The trust said the cost of the replacement was "a huge amount of funds".

"This is by no means a small feat," a spokesman said. "The trust is therefore asking its supporters to help, however they can, with this latest restoration project to ensure that Painshill is available to be enjoyed in the future by the many generations to come."

The trust said the public can help financially by making donations, becoming a member, volunteering at the site, sponsoring an event, bench or plaque or leaving a legacy in a will.

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