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Villages separated by destroyed bridge since 2021

BBC The remains of Llanerch Bridge on the River Clwyd between Tremeirchion and Trefnant in DenbighshireBBC
The 200-year-old Llanerch Bridge on the River Clwyd was washed away by Storm Christoph in 2021

Villagers say they feel "let down" almost three years after a storm washed away a bridge connecting their communities.

The 200-year-old grade-II listed Llanerch Bridge over the River Clwyd in Denbighshire was destroyed during Storm Christoph in January 2021.

The county council has pledged to replace the bridge, at a cost now estimated to be £10m.

But it says the project is "complex" and work is continuing on a suitable design.

  • Llanerch Bridge in Denbighshire was washed away during Storm Christoph in 2021
  • A replacement is expected to cost up to £10m
  • £380,000 has been earmarked by the Welsh government to pay for planning and designing a new bridge
  • However, a final business case to secure full funding is still being drawn up
Liahll Bruce River Clwyd burst its banks in January 2021, sweeping away Llanerch Bridge Liahll Bruce
The River Clwyd burst its banks in January 2021, washing away Llanerch Bridge

A business case for the bridge has also yet to be finalised.

It has left those in the neighbouring villages of Tremeirchion and Trefnant facing a seven mile detour around the collapsed bridge.

Last year, about 100 residents held a protest over the continuing delays to replacing the crossing.

Councillor Chris Evan stood in front of a sign warning of single file crossing over Llanerch bridge - prior to the bridge being completely destroyed
Chris Evans says the village he represents on Denbighshire council has been "let down totally" by the delay in replacing Llanerch bridge

"We feel let down by Denbighshire (council), we feel let down by Welsh government, because they have had money in their bank accounts for infrastructure that this £10m could have come out of," said Tremeirchion county councillor Chris Evans.

The independent councillor said they had been "let down totally", adding: "We need to understand this bridge is a major link for the residents to get to where they want to go.

"If I had a pound for every person who has asked me about this bridge, I'd be a millionaire and I would build the bridge myself."

County councillor James Elson stands on road in front of destroyed Llanerch bridge, wearing a green jacket, blue and red checked shirt and navy blue sweater
Trefnant councillor James Elson says he fears funding will not be available when plans for the new bridge are finalised

His counterpart in neighbouring Trefnant, James Elson said he was worried about what happens when plans for the design of the new bridge are finally finished.

"When we go back down to Cardiff cap in hand saying 'OK now, we've got the design done - can we have 10 million quid please?', they are going to say 'sorry, we don't have any money'," said the Conservative group councillor.

"That's my biggest fear - when it comes down to it we will struggle with the local government finances and Welsh government finances in 12 or 18 months time."

Jane Marsh stands outside the grey front door of the Salusbury Arms in Tremeirchian
Jane Marsh has helped the community campaign to buy the village pub, but says plans for its future have been scaled back due to the bridge

The impact has been felt by Tremeirchion businesswoman Jane Marsh, who used to run a takeway coffee and tea hut in the village, targeting walkers visiting what is part of an official area of outstanding natural beauty.

"When the bridge went we saw a significant drop in footfall because we'd lost an entire community that's part of a walking route that would come up to Tremeirchion, " said Ms Marsh.

"It just got worse and worse, and less and less profitable.

"Sadly, I took the decision last summer that I would be closing the doors. It's a real pity."

Since closing her shepherd's hut tea shack, she has been involved in other projects in the village, including the successful bid to turn an old pub into a community-owned venture.

Front of the Salusbury Arms pub in Tremeirchion
The Salusbury Arms was handed over to the community in August after a five-year campaign to buy it for the village

The Welsh government announced last month it was giving the county council £380,000 towards the ongoing design and planning programme for the new bridge.

Officials at the council said they recognised "the frustration that no replacement bridge has been put in place".

"This is a very complex project and we are working extremely hard with all partners to move it forward as quickly as possible to help meet the needs of the surrounding communities," added an officer.

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