Calls for weight restriction to protect Bridgnorth landmark
Bridgnorth's landmark Severn Bridge is being damaged by lorries, according to people in the town.
Business owners and residents say they are becoming increasingly concerned about the town's iconic landmark.
The current bridge has been in existence since the 1700s. At present, there are no vehicle restrictions in place.
HGVs regularly use the bridge, which is grade II listed because of its historical and archaeological significance, to deliver goods to companies to nearby shops and restaurants.
According to residents, the surface is now splitting and chunks of sandstone can be seen falling from the bridge.
Catherine Dixon, former town councillor, lives near the bridge on St John's Street in High Town.
"The HGVs bounce off the pavement, they're absolutely colossal," she said.
"We can't get anyone to realise that the bridge needs a weight restriction. It is getting to the stage now where it's horrendous.
"The tractors are a problem too, because they have wide rear ends on them which extend over the back tyres – the metal machines reach a metre over the pavement.
"One man had to get up the railings on the bridge to avoid the oncoming machinery.
"Cracks can also be seen over the bridge's turrets, this has now been reported to Shropshire Council."
Deborah Kent is the owner of Shropshire Furnishings in Low Town and her shop is one of the last frontages before the Severn Bridge.
She added: "I'm the last shop near the bridge in Low Town, the HGVs are going past two every seconds. The surface across the bridge is all collapsing.
"Surely the bridge is one of the main attractions of the town. I just cannot understand why there's no restriction what so ever.
"We're trying to find out when the bridge is due to be maintained, no-one seems to tell us anything."
Business owners say heavy vehicles should be forced to take an alternative route along the Bridgnorth bypass.
Shropshire Council is responsible for 1,008 bridges across the county.
Every three years the council aims to carry out a general inspection, with a more detailed inspection completed every six years.
