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Work begins on replacing controversial footbridge

The National Trust A digital design of the new wooden bridge with two people crossing with wildflowers and grasses in the foreground.The National Trust
A digital design of the bridge was posted on The National Trust's Facebook page

Work has begun on replacing a controversial footbridge removed two years ago over safety concerns.

The National Trust said the long-awaited crossing at Stiffkey Marshes in Norfolk would cost £200,000 and take about eight weeks to complete.

The charity unexpectedly removed the former bridge in 2022 over safety fears and spent more than a year deciding on whether to replace it.

Two makeshift bridges were then mysteriously constructed, which disgruntled locals claimed were built by "fairies".

Ian Curtis Two warning signs at the site of the new bridge. One reads: "Plant crossing point". There is a patch of grass next to a path with a car and a field in the distance.Ian Curtis
The National Trust says it looks forward to sharing updates on the bridge as the project progresses

"It's fantastic that we've got to this point," said Ian Curtis, 69, founder of the Rebuild Stiffkey Marsh Bridge campaign group.

"The sooner [the National Trust] takes down the fairy bridge, the sooner we have the new bridge, and it'll be a safe crossing, and people won't get cut off from the marshes."

The National Trust announced on Friday that planning permission for the new bridge had been approved.

Work on the new bridge got under way on Monday.

A wooden makeshift bridge at Stiffkey marshes. There is a channel of water running underneath with mud and grass on the adjacent banks.
Two makeshift bridges were mysteriously built with one being taken down by the National Trust over safety concerns

The National Trust said the former bridge, which was thought to be about 30 years old, had become unsafe partly due to coastal erosion.

"Members of the public are advised to avoid the Cabbage Creek area whilst construction work is taking place," the charity posted on social media.

"The contractor will have safety notices clearly displayed in the area, and these should be followed at all times."

The National Trust previously described plans for the new bridge as "complex" due to "multiple ownership, multiple designations, multiple permissions, and construction regulations".

While the bridge would be built on National Trust land, it would span an area owned by the Crown Estate and Natural England, which leases land from the Crown Estate.

Ian Curtis Lorries arriving at Stiffkey Marshes. One lorry is carrying a tractor while the other is carrying wooden boards. They are parked on a gravel path with trees in the background.Ian Curtis
Plant and materials were seen arriving at the marshes on Monday

Stiffkey Marshes, a popular walking spot, is one of the country's richest saltmarshes for wildlife.

It is thought a wooden bridge was originally used by sheep to graze, and people would also cross it to collect cockles and samphire plants.

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