Previously it was announced that the bridge across the “top beck” near the bottom car park on the Frankland beat was is a state of disrepair and you were cautioned to be very careful if you chose to use it.

Since then the bridges condition has continued to degrade.  An assessment showed that the bank erosion was accelerating every year and that building a replacement bridge would prove to be an exercise in diminishing returns.

An alternative means of crossing the beck has been provided with the construction of steps and can be found much closer to where the cars are parked.  Just go down the slope from the car park and turn left cross the beck and climb up the steps on the other bank then turn right down towards the river and join the existing path.

The damaged bridge has been removed to stop the risk of it collapsing whilst someone is crossing it.

Removed bridge