Subscribe to trusted local news

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Sept 2023

Last Updated: 17/09/2023

Community

Harrogate bridge may be closed again after 'astonishing' crossing

by John Plummer

| 18 Sept, 2023

There are fears a Harrogate village bridge may have to close for repairs again — little more than a week after it reopened.

Hampsthwaite Bridge closed suddenly on June 2 for repairs estimated to cost £60,000

it reopened on September 7 but within days one of the parapets has been damaged.

Local resident and retired engineer Martin Weston, who uses the bridge daily, inspected it after seeing a photo on social media of a large agricultural vehicle crossing the bridge and reading comments by concerned locals.

Mr Weston told the Stray Ferret::

"I have inspected the bridge for damage and it showed that the parapet walls have been pushed out and loosened again over a six-metre section and it looks likely that we will face another closure when repairs need to be carried out.

"I have reported the issue to Geoff Howard from Hampsthwaite Parish Council, who I met at the bridge.

"The damage does not appear to be as severe as the previous incident and hopefully subject to the authority inspection team appraising it, it will be kept open at least until repairs are carried out."

Cllr Howard said the recent closure caused considerable inconvenience and signs clearly showed a maximum width of 6ft 6ins for crossing vehicles.

He added:

"It is astonishing therefore to see the JCB being driven over recently.

"And it is recent because, as can clearly be seen on site, one of the joints broken by the upstream parapet having been pushed out, was pointed with a new mix of unweathered mortar."

Harrogate village bridge set for lengthy closure

Harrogate hospital defends new parking charges

The historic bridge, on Church Lane, crosses the River Nidd and joins Hampsthwaite and Clint.

Cllr Howard said he'd reported the incident to the parish council and highways authority North Yorkshire Council "and suggested someone in authority needs to have a word with the contractor".

He added the entire parapet between two refuges had been nudged over by 10mm to 20mm and ought to be inspected by the council.

Cllr Howard said:

"The real issue is that some folk should be so unthinking as to even attempt such a crossing after all the disruption and cost the previous damage caused."

Subscribe to trusted local news

Harrogate bridge may be closed again after 'astonishing' crossing

Read more: