By Telegraph Reporters
Copyright yahoo
“Marooned” villagers have criticised a council for failing to repair a vital bridge after its parapet was swept away by floodwaters almost a year ago.
The structure in Bronygarth, Shropshire, was damaged during Storm Bert last November, forcing some households to cross the border into Wales, and then back into England, to drive to the nearest town.
Officials initially estimated it would take 17 weeks to fix. But after more than 10 months, the village’s 2,000 residents are still waiting for the works to start.
Simon Greaves, 70, a retired writer and illustrator who has lived in Bronygarth for 42 years, said: “If I wanted to travel to Oswestry, I couldn’t travel east.
“I have to travel into Wales, along the valley road, and then back into England.”
Paul Wright, a retired site maintenance worker, said: “It was like a bomb site at first, we were worried to walk across. You can see why cars aren’t allowed through.”
The 66-year-old added: “I think this could take years to repair. The other houses trapped over the other side have to go down a steep one-way road, which must be dreadful.
“It’s not like being in a town where there’s another road to go, you have to go another way to get to where you want to go, and it takes time.”
Another resident said: “It’s like a mini lockdown and it’s really quite upsetting.
“We’re basically stuck in a never-ending nightmare. If you don’t have a car, you’re marooned. There is no end in sight.”
Shropshire council said negotiations were taking place with the Woodland Trust, a conservation charity, to ensure the repairs complied with environmental and legal requirements.
A spokesman for the council said it “understands the frustration being experienced by the local community, and apologises for the inconvenience caused by the delay in repair works”.
They added: “Negotiations are ongoing with the Woodland Trust to ensure the method of repair protects an ancient woodland, and to ensure the council complies with environmental and legislative requirements.
“It is hoped these negotiations will be concluded soon and the repairs started shortly.”
