Half-a-million for Felton bridge repairs

Glen Sanderson, Eleanor George, Anne Morton and Jim Routledge at the bridge in Felton in 2012.

Back in 2012, we reported how the condition of Felton’s ‘new’ bridge, on the boundary between Thirston and Felton, had been the target of complaints and that Coun Glen Sanderson, whose ward at the time covered the Thirston side, had taken up the issue.

The ‘sticking plaster’ comment referred to the railings on either side of the bridge, where green tape had been used in places to cover the peeling paint and rust.

Work being carried out on the old bridge in Felton earlier this year.

Now, five years later, the county council’s draft Local Transport Plan for 2017/18 includes a £500,000 allocation for work to the topside of the B6345 Felton Bridge.

The funding is for ‘strengthening, parapet renewal and waterproofing’, but having spoken to the bridges team at the council, Coun Sanderson is hopeful that work will be carried out to the railings at the same time.

Felton ‘new’ bridge was built in 1927 at a cost of £12,000 to relieve traffic crossing the old stone bridge in the village, and has been subject to controversy. In 2009, residents asked English Heritage to list the structure against the wishes of the county council.