VILLAGERS are being “kept in the dark” over the fate of a closed footbridge that walkers have used to cross the River Wye for decades, it has been claimed.

Stowfield Bridge, also known as Black Bridge, links Lydbrook and Welsh Bicknor, but the former railway crossing has been shut for 16 months amid safety fears.

A report into options for the future of the 148-year-old bridge has reportedly been prepared for Gloucestershire Council, but not yet released, and a councillor has now called a public meeting for residents and interested organisations to vent their frustration at the delay.

Repairs to the bridge, which is part of the Wye Valley Walk, have been

estimated at between £750,000 to £2million.

Forest of Dean councillor Sid Phelps (Green, Lydbrook and Ruardean) has called the meeting for this Sunday, June 25, at 3pm at the Wye Valley Youth Hostel in Welsh Bicknor, after it emerged that the Gloucestershire Local Access Forum had met at the bridge earlier this month without alerting local councillors.

Cllr Phelps said: “We keep getting promised things, but nothing seems to happen. We understand a consultant has seen the feasibility report about the future of the bridge, but none of us have. We don’t know what’s going on.

“The aim of the meeting is to share information and discuss formation of a group to push for the re-opening of the footbridge.

“Generations have used it to walk across the Wye, even in the days of steam engines. Now the alternative is three miles up to Kerne Bridge or even more to Huntsham.

“It’s also a really important strategic footbridge in terms of tourism and the Wye Valley Walk. We don’t want to lose it, and the whole thing is very frustrating.

“We understand that GLAF met at the bridge and then in Lydbrook on election day, and it’s disappointing that the elected representatives of the community weren’t told. Why the secrecy? It just seems like we’re being kept in the dark.”

Ruardean resident Sylvia Mills said she was at Lydbrook Community Centre by “pure chance” when the GLAF representatives met there on June 8.

“At 2pm on election day, an unadvertised “Public Meeting” of the Gloucestershire Local Access Forum, a group of representative members of organisations with the aim of advising Gloucestershire Public Rights of Way on access problems, plus the rights of way officer from Shire Hall, met at the centre.

“In the morning GLAF had spent a couple of hours sheltering from the downpour under the bridge and some had seen the barrier up close.”

She said it was essential that the Wye Valley path should join up to the section of the path which crosses the river and urged residents to send objections to the county council protesting the current situation.

Alison Williamson, GLAF chair, said: “Gloucestershire Local Access Forum offers strategic advice and comments to the county council on the improvement of access.

“The forum consists of representatives from interest groups such as walkers, cyclists, equestrians, disabled users and landowners, and advises the council regarding access to the countryside and public rights of way matters. 

“On June 8, we met in Lydbrook. The morning site visit involved an awareness raising session for GLAF members only.

“The afternoon forum meetings are public meetings, and any member of the public may come along. A district councillor and member of the Open Spaces Society attended.”

She said that for details about their public meetings, including future dates, agendas, and minutes, people should email [email protected] 

Wye Valley AONB manager Andrew Blake said that as far as he was aware, the council were still examining the bridge report by contractors Amey and were costing viable alternatives for it.

“Planks are falling off, and there appear to be three options,” he said. “Firstly remove the decking and stop access, secondly replace the decking which could cost up to £1m if the review of Redbrook Bridge a few years ago is anything to go by, and thirdly build a new bridge.

“Once we get the options and the costings, then we can look at applying for Lottery money and other grants. It would be a real shame if it couldn’t be reopened, and we want to reopen it if it’s at all possible.”