Ludlow's troubled bridge over water could be shut for months

One of the main routes into Ludlow could be blocked for up to four months after falling stonework led to the closure of a 300-year-old bridge.

Ludford Bridge, which carries the B4361 into Ludlow, was closed on Tuesday night to traffic and pedestrians after a section of a parapet fell into the River Teme.

The bridge has now reopened for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists, with a section fenced off, but following an inspection yesterday Shropshire Council engineers said it could be shut to traffic for three to four months.

John Williams, structures team leader for the council, said: "Part of the stone wall on the downstream side has fallen into the river leaving the guts of the bridge exposed. The bridge was closed to traffic and pedestrians until we could assess the situation in detail.

"We are reopening the bridge to pedestrians but the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic until a proper repair can be carried out."

Mr Williams said he estimated this would be for three to four months. A plan for the repairs will have to be submitted to English Heritage.

Meanwhile, the Grade II listed Aberbechan Bridge near Newtown was closed to traffic today after cracks were noticed in the structure. Powys County Council said work would take months to complete.