Plans for strengthening work on an historic bridge in Witham have been criticised by councillors.

Saul's Bridge, which carries Maldon Road over the River Brain in Witham, was built in 1814 and is the oldest cast iron bridge still in use in Essex.

But concern has been growing that it is suffering from use by heavy traffic and in a position where it is hard to appreciate its rare design.

Town and district councillors have called for it to be moved downstream to bridge the river on the Blackwater Rail Trail, where it would carry only pedestrians and cyclists.

But English Heritage says it is more important to the bridge's historical significance to maintain its original location.

Now Essex County Council's highways department has announced it may be in a position to carry out strengthening works next summer.

But members of Witham Town Council's planning committee disagreed with the proposal and instead voted to pursue their original policy of moving Saul's Bridge and replacing it with a brand new road bridge.

Published Friday, January 24, 2003

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