Villagers and walkers are rallying for the urgent repair and reopening of the Black Bridge, a cherished crossing over the River Wye connecting Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean with Welsh Bicknor in Herefordshire. Also known as Stowfield Bridge, this former railway viaduct is a vital part of the 136-mile Wye Valley Walk, attracting over 20,000 walkers annually.
Despite its importance, the bridge has faced intermittent closures over the past decade, with the latest shutdown beginning in 2024 due to health and safety concerns. These prolonged closures have left both locals and visitors frustrated, calling for a lasting solution.
Green Party Councillor Sid Phelps, representing Lydbrook, has campaigned tirelessly for bridge repairs. He expressed disappointment at ongoing delays, stating, “Ten months ago, Gloucestershire County Council informed me they were awaiting an ecological management plan and a habitat regulations assessment before scheduling the works. Now, with further indefinite postponements, residents and the walking community feel they are being fobbed off.”
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Similarly, Reform UK Councillor Piers Camp revealed that the council initially aimed to reopen the bridge by now but discovered the damage and associated repair costs were greater than anticipated. “They took it back to the drawing board. They’re compiling a report for the cabinet, which could take another two months,” he said. “They seem reluctant to consider temporary repairs, focusing instead on full restoration, which risks being deemed too expensive.”
Cllr Camp mentioned the possibility of seeking lottery funding to cover repair costs, although the outcome remains uncertain.
The council has yet to provide an official comment on the situation, while residents continue to urge swift action to restore this essential community link.