A HEREFORD mayor warned 50 years ago that the city would need a third bridge over the River Wye within ten years of the second opening.

The Greyfriars Bridge also known as the ‘New Bridge’ officially opened 50 years ago today.

On opening the half-a-million pound bridge mayor Peter Carter said that the bridge would perform well for a limited number of years.

He told the Hereford Evening News on January 19, 1967: “I venture to suggest that within ten years, we shall need three road bridges across the river.”

The mayor likened himself to Oliver Twist, “asking for more.”