Ford included in council's schedule of bridge repairs

It forms part of Northumberland County Council’s masonry arch refurbishment programme.

Ford Bridge, over the River Till, is one of those being repaired.

The work includes re-pointing of stonework, replacing parts of the stonework where it has eroded, repainting pattress plates and some work on the fishermen’s car park.

Gemma Reay, the council’s bridges engineer, told Ford Parish Council that it will mean overnight closures in May and June.

A gazunder will be used – an HGV body with a platform hanging off it under the bridge where the men will work.

The main diversion will be signed towards Lowick and on to Wooler.

Weekends will be unaffected and the work is expected to last four to six weeks.

Gemma also reported that the work on Oakhall bridge involved hardening the verges and resurfacing the road. This diverts any water onto the carriageway to stop it penetrating the verge and into the arch where it would cause damage over time.

Heatherslaw footbridge is a lower priority than those carrying traffic. Parish councillors were told they could put in a request for it to be repainted. The potential for a foot survey on the bridge will be explored.