Residents of Solihull’s Barston village are growing increasingly concerned about the potential closure of Barston Bridge, a historic structure spanning the River Blythe, due to safety issues and lack of repair funding.
Built in 1859, Barston Bridge carries over 1,000 vehicles daily along Barston Lane, serving as a vital link east of the village. However, recent inspections have raised serious safety concerns, prompting the council to explore options that include fully replacing the bridge with a modern structure supporting up to 40-tonne loads, at an estimated cost of £2 million, or restricting access to pedestrians and cyclists only.
A public consultation to gather community input concluded last month, but while the campaign to save the bridge has intensified — including protests emphasizing the disruption a closure would cause — no immediate funding is available for its replacement.
READ MORE: British Gas Slashes Electricity Bills by 50% for Five Hours Every Sunday
READ MORE: Warning Issued for Customers of Two Major Banks Amid Iran-US Conflict Impacting Services
At a recent council meeting, Councillor Kathryn Thomas inquired about emergency funding should public opinion favor full replacement. Dean Ward, head of highway infrastructure, confirmed that neither capital nor revenue budgets can currently cover a full rebuild, as these funds are primarily allocated to infrastructure maintenance and smaller projects like vehicle restraint systems.
Ward indicated that securing the needed capital would require applications to external bodies such as the West Midlands Combined Authority, contingent on producing a strong business case.
Councillor Ken Hawkins affirmed his commitment to keeping Barston Bridge open and noted that the upcoming decision session will reflect the consultation outcomes. He also highlighted ongoing discussions with local farmers to address concerns about alternative access routes and the economic impact on agriculture, following a weight limit imposed 18 months ago.
Despite clear community and council support for the bridge’s continued operation, its future remains uncertain without significant external funding, leaving villagers anxious about potential isolation should the bridge be closed to vehicular traffic.