Unsafe bridge at Kempston Mill won't reopen until autumn

A bridge which was closed after parts of it were found to have rotted won't reopen until the autumn.

The privately-owned bridge at Kempston Mill was closed in December - it's often used by dog walkers, ramblers, anglers and cyclists.

One keen walker raised concerns with Bedford Today, saying in "six months nothing has been done".

He said: "With lockdown easing and a great need for wellbeing to promote exercise, this route is important for everyone.

"There has even been people that have climbed the fencing just to get over to the other side which is a danger."

A Bedford Borough Council spokesman said: “The right of way over this privately-owned bridge at Kempston Mill was closed in December due to structural concerns with the rotting deck planks.

"The council then procured specialist access to enable an inspection and assessed the remaining bridge elements for loading to take this matter forward at its own expense.

“The council is currently in discussions with the private owner to try and organise repairs and aims to have the bridge reopened in the autumn.”