HEREFORDSHIRE villagers, who were left angered by the closure of a footpath, have finally been given some good news.
The footpath in Staunton-on-Arrow, near Leominster, was closed for months after debris piled up against a footbridge over the river Arrow.
Coun Roger Phillips said he and his neighbours, in his ward of Staunton-on-Arrow, wanted Herefordshire Council to sort out the blockage that was caught by the Gigg footbridge last winter.
The force of the water flow trapped timber against the bridge, causing damage to the ironwork, but the blockage has now been removed.
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Staunton-on-Arrow footpath. Picture: Coun Roger Phillips
There have been concerns over damage to the highway, as well as agricultural and residential flooding.
Residents are also worried more timber would push the bridge downstream and damage a weir 200 metres away.
The village is now waiting for a new replacement bridge, meaning the footpath is still closed. But the council has not said when this will be.
The timber blocked underneath the Gigg footbridge
The existing one cannot be repaired but the removal of the timber mass before winter was urgent, and work for environmental reasons was restricted to only August and September.
"We have won the battle and it is a victory for common sense," said Coun Phillips.
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The timber has now been removed from under the footbridge. Picture: councillor Roger Phillips
"But what a performance and without persistent pressure it would not have happened. During the campaign to get."
Wildlife was found on the timber mass, and otters were seen to be using it, which led to an ecology study.
A Herefordshire Council spokesperson previously said: "The footbridge has been closed for safety reasons following a timber blockage in the watercourse below.
Councillor Roger Phillips and other residents of Staunton-on-Arrow at the Gigg footpath bridge which has been closed since February
"The timber has become an established part of the surrounding habitat which is home to a range of species.
"We are currently working with ecologists to carry out surveys and establish the scope of the works required to safely remove the blockage."
Coun Roger Phillips on the riverbank near the footpath bridge which has been closed due to the build up of wood debris.
An ecologist was present as the timber was removed to ensure the project was legal, said Coun Phillips.
"I am very grateful to Austin and Heather Owens for their cooperation and allowing the work to have been done from their adjoining meadow," he said.
Wood debris piled up underneath the footpath bridge in Staunton-on-Arrow
"The bridge is part of superb circular walk around Staunton-on-Arrow and I know is valued by the community.
"Hopefully we can resolve these matters, but it shouldn't have to be such a battle."
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