A CONCERNED MP has blasted plans to build a new bridge in place of an historic one as “a waste of one million pounds”.

The 124-year-old Boxted Bridge carries Wick Road and Lower Farm Road over the River Stour within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Despite its significant heritage, Essex County Council plans to replace it with a new one after an Essex Highways inspection in 2018 found it to be in a “weak condition” with many potentially dangerous flaws.

A spokesman for the council said it is expected to be visually “very similar” to the existing bridge, while complying with current standards and safety for road users and nearby private properties.

A change to the bridge deck type has also been considered by planners to help alleviate the impact to the waterway by reducing the overall size of the deck, however the structure will be widened.

Read more: 'Our sincere apologies' - Colchester restaurant closed down by coronavirus

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin paid a visit to the site on Friday to meet with campaigners from the Save Our Bridge campaign to offer his support.

The group have called the county council’s proposal both “unnecessary” and “a waste of taxpayers’ money,” while stating the bridge should instead be repaired.

Sir Bernard agreed, adding: “It does look like building a new bridge is a waste of one million pounds on something nobody wants.

“The present bridge is not a problem, except for the biggest articulated trucks which should not be using this as a cut-through anyway. I will be raising this with the Highways authority, Essex County Council.”

A county council spokesman said options to improve the existing structure have been “carefully considered” and Essex Highways’ recommendation to replace the bridge was independently verified by experts earlier this year.

They said: “Engineers have also taken on board feedback from Boxted Parish Council to retain the trapezoidal view of the bridge and to establish whether the junction alignment could be improved.

“Essex Highways remains committed to proposing the best long-term solution for the crossing point and for the rural community it serves.”

You can keep up-to-date with the progress via bit.ly/3D0FAyg.