Ludlow bridge needs signage to stop lorry damage, says MP Philip Dunne

Part of the wall on Ludford Bridge was hit by a large vehicle reversing down Lower Broad Street, said the MP.

It is not the first time the historic bridge has been damaged and Mr Dunne said: "?This is yet another blow to Ludford Bridge, apparently from a large vehicle reversing down Lower Broad Street.

"I know local authorities are working to try to assess the damage properly to get it fixed as swiftly as possible.

"But longer term we need to get better signage in place, on the A49 and from other southern approaches, to warn articulated lorries to avoid Ludford Bridge in future," the MP said.

Mr Dunne joined Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Paul Draper, to inspect the damage to the Grade I listed bridge.

Latest indications suggest it will have to stay closed for up to six weeks for a full inspection and repair works.

Dating to the 15th century, the bridge is part of the main southern route from Ludlow to the A49.

Local stone needs to be used to used to meet preservation criteria from English Heritage before work can begin.

A meeting is planned between Shropshire Council and English Heritage for March 10, and it is hoped that work will begin the week after.

Vehicles are currently being redirected from the A49 along Sheet Road, with signs showing the best route.

Businesses are open as usual and there is pedestrian access across the bridge.

Mr Draper said: "I am pleased our local MP was able to take the time to look at this latest damage to such an important access route into Ludlow.

"We are doing what we can with Shropshire Council to understand the damage and to reopen the bridge as soon as possible."

Shropshire Council expects to need one week for movement on the site, the erection of temporary scaffolding and retrieving stone from the river.

This will be followed by four weeks remedial repair to the stonework of the upstream cutwater and the parapet, with a further week to clear the site.