No cash to repair historic bridge

Essex County Council has admitted it does not have the money to fund repairs to a weak historical bridge.

Saul’s Bridge in Witham was due to be updated two years ago. In July the county council said it had set aside £150,000 to strengthen the bridge, but then put the repairs on hold.

Concerns have been raised that lorries are flouting the 7.5 tonne weight restriction on the bridge. Yet English Heritage has said the bridge must stay where it is to preserve its historical significance.

Witham town mayor Phil Barlow said: "Until that is done, any ideas we have to improve congestion cannot be carried out."

Rodney Bass, Essex County Council cabinet member for highways said: " It is a question of working off a limited budget, and there is only a limited amount of things we can do."

- Article contributed by: Mr & Mrs L.C. M, Colchester