The White Lady Bridge in Shorwell, which is said to be in a very poor and unsafe condition, is set to be replaced with a new, steel replica.
Shorwell Parish Council has applied to the Isle of Wight Council for planning permission to replace the 48-year-old timber structure which spans the B3399 at Shorwell Shute.
The bridge, which connects 2 private woodlands to the north of Shorwell village, was last reconstructed in 1976 by way of public subscription and voluntary labour, but there has been a bridge across the road since the late 1700s.
Under plans, the wooden structure will be replaced with a modern, galvanised steel and timber replica that matches the appearance of the existing bridge but with modern safety standards. It will be brought in by lorry and craned into place, resulting in the road being closed for a period.
There is no public right of way over the bridge, which has been closed for some time due to safety fears, but replacing the structure will enable future public access – subject to the landowner’s consent.
The project is being grant-funded with a provisional grant offer from Isle of Wight National Landscape – formerly the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A decision is set to be made in early December.
Would it not have been prudent to obtain public access consent from the landowners before committing to this enormous cost, which we can well do without?
Since when has the taxpayer been expected to fund access between pieces of privately own land?
I’d like a new conservatory and I’m thinking of letting some neighbours join me – any council grants going?
Better safe than sorry