Work on bridge to cost £30,000

An historic Shropshire bridge is in need of repairs expected to cost £30,000 after the foundations became eroded by floodwater.

Sheinton Bridge, near Cressage, along with Sheinton Road, will be closed for four weeks while county council contractors carry out the work on the listed structure over the Hughley Brook.

The council today dismissed rumours the damage had been caused by motorists using the route as a rat run to avoid delays caused during recent work to prevent landslides on the A528 at Harley Bank.

Senior engineer John Tonkin said it was decided to carry out an inspection for damage after floodwaters came up to the bridge parapet. Examinations found that a foundation pier had been substantially damaged.

“There is no evidence that this is to do with excessive traffic use,” he said.

He said the work was expected to take about four weeks to complete at a cost of about £30,000.

Traffic will be diverted on the A458 Cressage to Much Wenlock road, A4169 Much Wenlock to Gleedon turn, then to Sheinton. Access will be maintained for residents.