A NUMBER of footbridges on public rights of way across South Somerset have now been replaced by Somerset County Council.

Three bridges, specifically over the River Ding near the village of Broadway, over the River Cary just outside the village of Charlton Mackrell and over the River Cale near Wincanton were deteriorating and in need of repair; they were closed to the public in 2018.

Somerset County Council have been able to replace them with new standard footbridges on vastly superior foundations and they now meet modern safety regulations.

The new bridge over the River Ding connects the footpath network around Horton and Broadway. The bridge in Charlton Mackrell crosses the River Cary, linking the village with Kingsdon and forms part of the Macmillan Way West, a nationally promoted long distance walking trail. The one crossing the River Cale in Wincanton forms part of the Monarch’s Way, another popular long-distance trail.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways said: “It’s great that we have been able to sort out bridges in need of major repair so efficiently and cost-effectively. They are now designed to a much better standard and will be of massive benefit to residents as a result.”