Residents of the canal-side village of Brewood, Staffordshire, have endured nine months of significant disruption following the closure of Brewood Bridge. The closure, caused by a sinkhole that appeared on the structure in November, has effectively split the village in two, forcing residents to undertake an eight-mile detour to access essential services like shops, schools, and a local GP surgery, which are located only a short distance from their homes.
The bridge, a locally listed structure built in the 1830s by Thomas Telford, spans the Shropshire Union Canal. The sinkhole, believed to have originated from a leaking water pipe, led engineers to discover further damage to the bridge walls and supporting columns. The Canal and River Trust (CRT), responsible for the bridge's upkeep, was initially slated to begin repairs in the spring, but the process has been protracted.
While the water company Severn Trent has completed repairs to water and waste pipes on site, residents fear the bridge may not reopen until next year. They attribute the delays to a dispute between Staffordshire County Council and the CRT regarding responsibility for the damage. Locals have expressed frustration, with some suggesting that such repairs would be completed much faster in other countries.
Phil Shepherd, a local heating engineer, noted the inconvenience, stating that an eight-mile drive is required for those needing to reach amenities on the other side of the canal. He also raised concerns about emergency response times, estimating it could take fire services 20 minutes to reach a fire just 300 yards away.
According to some residents, including Chris Bish, the bridge's structural issues may have been exacerbated by an influx of traffic using it as a detour when the nearby M54 motorway was closed shortly before the sinkhole appeared. Bish observed the road surface moving before the collapse, which he believes fractured a sewage pipe, leading to effluent discharge into the canal.
The closure has also impacted local businesses. Philip Kavanagh, landlord of The Bridge Inn, reported a significant drop in takings due to the loss of passing trade. He also noted that his pub's car park is now frequently used by locals parking to walk to the GP surgery.
The CRT acknowledged the community's frustration, stating that the age of the bridge has necessitated a thorough investigation into the damage and consultation with partners, including Severn Trent and Staffordshire County Council, to agree on repair methods. Repair plans are reportedly with the council for approval, with preparatory works scheduled to begin at the end of the current month. However, the CRT has been unable to provide a confirmed reopening date.
Staffordshire County Council confirmed it is working with the CRT as a consultee on the repairs and is eager for the bridge to be reopened. A Severn Trent spokesperson indicated that initial repairs to a burst water pipe were completed without affecting customer supplies, and a secondary burst in July, caused by further bridge movement, is expected to be fixed within two weeks.