A resident has shared his concerns that a bridge could weaken and potentially collapse thanks to a growing dam forming below it. The Halfpenny Bridge, also known as Snuff Mills Bridge, is a historic footbridge over the River Frome which links the nearby Snuff Mills Park with Oldbury Court in North Bristol.
The bridge is also popular with dog walkers and walkers given its location but also the natural beauty of the surrounding woodland. But one resident from Stapleton has grown concerned with the state of the bridge, with a huge dam of tree trunks and debris built up behind it.
Stephen Rees fears the dam is “putting huge pressure on the piers of the structure” and is already causing the water levels to increase. He said: “It is an integral part of the Frome Valley walkaway - you can’t get through without the footbridge.
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“The dam has grown and grown over the last few years because of the dead tree branches falling into the river and not getting cleared. It has blocked the middle pillars of the bridge and after periods of heavy rain, the dam raises the water level”.
Mr Rees added: “It must be putting a lot of pressure against the pillar. I just worry that the bridge could collapse.”
It is also unclear who manages or maintains the Halfpenny Bridge. Mr Rees said he had once approached two Environment Agency workers at Wickham Bridge about the debris formed at Halfpenny Bridge but they insisted the bridge was not under their remit.
It had been suggested that Bristol City Council should be in charge of clearing the bridge, but it's unclear if the authority is responsible for its maintenance. Mr Rees confirmed he had reported the issue to the local authority, but had received no response.
Regardless of who maintains the bridge, Mr Rees has called for the dam to be cleared before it causes serious and costly damage to the structure. He remarked: “I would like to see the dam cleared, the river levels lowered and the banks up the stream are being eroded by the high levels the dram has created.
“Without intervention, the bridge would weaken and close. It might become dangerous. It would close the Frome Valley walkway which is so popular.
“Many people use it for recreation and dog walking all year round. It would be a terrible loss. “To allow the bridge to fall into such disrepair would be at a great expense when all it is to remove the dam and logs.”
Bristol City Council has been approached for a comment.
