Bridge damage may see lorries banned

Controversial new restrictions could be introduced to stop lorries destroying a Shropshire bridge after years of complaints about damage to the landmark.

Highways chiefs are considering the measures at the 300-year-old Ludford Bridge in Ludlow after a raft of complaints about HGVs damaging the structure. It comes after chunks of masonry fell away from the bridge in January.

This led to the bridge being closed for several months.

But plans to ban HGVs from another Shropshire town centre look set to be scrapped after highways chiefs faced opposition from villagers living nearby.

Shropshire Council wanted to impose a 7.5 tonne weight limit in Mill Street, Wem, to improve road safety and protect at-risk buildings such as the main church. But now the plans have been shelved, causing officials to look at alternatives.