Replacement of main access bridge

The road access bridge was in a bad state of repair when we purchased the meadow. It collapsed in September 1997. Temporary repairs were carried out, and permanent replacement by a substantial single span structure with four steel girders and a reinforced concrete deck (see picture), was completed in October 1998. Cllr Tim Horton (Chairman of TOE) and Mr Graham Kemp (of Hanson Waste Management) formally opened it on 22nd October 1998.

New single-span vehicle access bridge

The bridge was designed by engineers at Amey plc free of charge. The girders were donated by the Oxfordshire County Council, as their contribution to the public footpath, and transported to the site by Associated Asphalt Ltd. The construction work was undertaken by the Environment Agency Constructor Unit within budget and on time. A detailed photographic archive of the work is available. 

Funding of the construction came from the Landfill Tax Rebate Scheme (Hanson Waste Management) via ENTRUST and the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (TOE) - £20,000; and The South Oxfordshire District Council (£2,500). The trustees are extremely grateful to all who made this urgent scheme possible. A public appeal for funds was not required.

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