Sealed off White Bridge in Halesworth to be replaced in a year

Suffolk County Council closed White Bridge in Halesworth at Millenium Green due to it being unsafe back in early March.

The bridge's closure and the installation of a 10-foot tall metal fence blocking it off provoked anger among dog walkers and others who use the route.

To demonstrate their frustration, in late March more than 60 people protested with placards and banners by the "monstrous" and "eyesore" fence.

Following the protests, the council announced it had found fresh funding for a replacement bridge but question marks had loomed over when the bridge work would be complete.

Though a date is not yet confirmed, the county council has now said the work will be finished by "mid-2024".

Over 60 people attended to protest against the 10-foot-tall fence erected by Suffolk County Council (Image: Denise Bradley)

READ MORE: Anger over "monstrous" fence in town beauty spot as popular footpath closed off

A spokesperson said: "The replacement of the bridge is a complex process involving a number of steps that have to be taken in a logical order.

"This process is underway, however, it will take some time to complete.

"Following a recent structural inspection, the bridge has been deemed unsafe to remain open for use.

"Sections of it are in very poor condition and at risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration and rot, damage from root growth, scour, and vandalism. 

"The highway authority’s primary concern is to ensure the safety of the public, so to prevent people from gaining unauthorised access to the structure, robust security fencing has been installed and it is essential that it remains in place.

"We hope to complete the replacement of the bridge by mid-2024."

The fence has been described as looking like a sub power station, ugly, an eyesore (Image: Denise Bradley)

White Bridge joins The Folly with The Cycle Path along the Millennium Green walk:

READ MORE: Protests force council U-turn and "accelerate plans" for new bridge

Before the steel fence was put up the council had put bollards up which people could squeeze through.

The council said the bollards had failed to deter people from crossing the unsafe bridge and they had been vandalised

Workers spent two days installing the 10-foot high steel fence which caused an outcry in the community.

The bridge allows people to cross to the Folly, Holton and is essential for many key walks in the town (Image: Denise Bradley)