Culden Faw Estate to remain open while footbridge closed for repair

A diversion route around Marsh Lock footbridge will remain open.

Marsh Head Horsebridge, which forms part of the Thames Path, was shut by the Environment Agency in May last year because part of one of the handrails had fallen off and some wooden panels had become loose.

Swiss financier Urs Schwarzenbach opened up his Culden Faw Estate to give walkers a short and safe path around it but in December he told the agency that he was to stop giving access from April 1 because it was taking too long.

Repair work was initially expected to take two months but now the agency says it is likely to last throughout this year.

However, following discussions between the Schwarzenbach family’s estate manager, Alex Dick, and the agency, the family have agreed to keep the footpath open for the foreseeable future.

Mr Dick said “I have met the Environment Agency’s project manager, David McKnight, Toby Murray, the agency’s agent and Hannah Gutteridge, the Thames Path manager for Oxfordshire County Council.

“David explained the issues the Environment Agency face with the repair on the bridge, particularly those regarding how it will be funded as well as ongoing issues about ownership and responsibility of the structure. This is on top of the engineering problems a project of this type pose.

“Notwithstanding the fact the family want to see this issue resolved without delay they appreciate there is no short-term fix to this problem and have agreed to keep the permissive path open.

“They understand the importance of this route for the many people who use it, particularly locals, and the fact the alternatives offered are not practical.

“The route will remain open but we will retain the right to close it at any stage. This is a busy working estate and the public must stay on the route that is marked, without deviation.

“Improved signage will be installed by Hannah Gutteridge and her team.”