Give us back our bridge

A FOOTBRIDGE over the Thames in Henley that was closed for safety reasons will remain shut for the foreseeable future, despite almost £50,000 being spent on it.

Marsh Head Horsebridge, which forms part of the Thames Path, was shut by the Environment Agency in May last year following complaints about its condition.

It said that part of one of the handrails had fallen off and some wooden panels had come loose.

Repairs were initially expected to take two months to complete but then the agency said it was likely to last throughout this year.

A Freedom of Information request to the agency found that in May last year it had sent three members of staff to visit the site and meet with the landowner’s agent.

Nine staff members then went back six times to install, repair and replace fencing and install signage and diversion signs.

More than a year later, no tenders for the repair work have been issued, although the agency has a designer and contractor in place.

So far, it has produced two general inspection reports and a dive survey of the underwater structures. The agency has spent a total of £46,482 on the project so far.

Swiss financier Urs Schwarzenbach has opened up part of his Culden Faw Estate nearby to give walkers a short and safe path around the bridge at Marsh Lock. In December he had told the agency that he would stop giving access from April because the repairs were taking too long, until he agreed to extend it following discussions.

Alex Dick, the Culden Faw Estate manager, said that the Schwarzenbach family would keep access to the diversion on their land open for the time being.

He said: “We are monitoring the situation and are not minded to close access up in the short term but, should this continue, we would have to look at it again.

“We want this to be mended as soon as possible so that everything can be put to bed. We are not expecting any work to happen this year. I hope the council and local MPs also put pressure on the
Environment Agency to get this sorted out.”

Walkers, anglers and town councillors are upset that repairs have not yet started as it is used by thousands of people each year.

Town and district councillor Kellie Hinton said it was a lot of money to be spent for no progress to have happened.

She said: “I remember last year when it was first closed, the agency said it would take some time as they needed to look into what needed to be done. They were very up front but I don’t think anyone would have envisaged just how long it would be.

“A lot of authorities are running on tight budgets and I understand they have to prioritise certain things but this is a key location on the Thames.

“I know they have done surveys and things but it is a lot of money for no progress and we would like to see some progress. It is very kind of the Schwarzenbach family to keep the diversion open but it’s still a massive inconvenience to people and an important part of the Thames Path.”

Councillor Jo Robb, who is the district council’s Thames champion, described the delays to work as “unacceptable”.

She said: “The Environment Agency is responsible for maintaining its assets and Marsh Lock is one of the most iconic footbridges on the River Thames.

“It’s unacceptable that essential works to make the footbridge safe for residents and visitors are taking so long. The agency has lost much of its funding since 2010 but its vital that our footpaths and bridges are safe and usable.

“Residents deserve an explanation and a clear plan as to how the footbridge will be made safe and reopened to the public as soon as feasible.”

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society in Henley, said: “We are deeply concerned at the delay in reopening Marsh Lock bridge, and the costs which have been incurred before we have seen any action.

“We believe that the Environment Agency should give this case priority because of its importance as part of the Thames Path National Trail, and the fact that without the bridge and the landowner’s permissive diversion, people would be forced to walk a long way partly in busy roads. The issue earlier this year, with the landowner initially withdrawing permission for the alternative path, highlights the vulnerability of any temporary arrangement. A permanent solution must soon be found.”

Alie Hagedoorn, who chairs the Henley and Goring Ramblers, which uses the diversion now, said: “The work has not started and the cost seems out of proportion. We are disappointed that work has still not started and we are not sure what is holding it up.”

The group has used the diversion for organised walks about once every two months since the footbridge closure. Without it, they would have to cross the busy A4155 and divert through Harpsden and Shiplake before rejoining the Thames Path.

Ms Hagedoorn fears that the estate might close off the pathway if work continues to be delayed.

She said: “The estate has really been generous with providing a diversion but we are afraid that because it has taken so long, I think it will last out this year, I am not sure coming into next year whether they will still be willing to do that. So, it needs to start as soon as possible.”

Andrew Crook, captain of the Remenham Angling Society Henley Waters, said: “As of yet, there has definitely been no work started on there because we are down there all the time.

“If they close the bridge and the diversion goes, we will have to look at other ways to get to our matches.”

The Envrionment Agency did not respond to requests for comment.