A COUNTY councillor has questioned why a “vital transport link” was closed for more than 70 days.

Eckington Bridge was shut for long periods over the winter, partly because of flooding.

Cllr Adrian Hardman, raising the issue in a Worcestershire County Council meeting on Thursday, July 9, said this was also due to the need to rebuild parapets.

“This is cutting a vital transport link in my division,” he said in a question to the cabinet member for highways Marc Bayliss.

QUESTIONS: Cllr Adrian HardmanQUESTIONS: Cllr Adrian Hardman (Image: Worcestershire County Council)

Cllr Hardman said that with thousands of new homes planned for Worcestershire Parkway and elsewhere in the area, “is it not time this was given top priority to solve?”

Cllr Bayliss said: “We understand and appreciate the travel disruption which closure of the bridge causes. This was particularly the case last winter with the frequency and longevity of flooding along the main rivers including the Avon.

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“The flood risk management undertook a study to review options to raise the approaches to Eckington Bridge and increase its flood resilience either for vehicles or pedestrians.

“However, this did not proceed further because of the very low cost-benefit-ratio meaning that such a project would not attract the necessary funding.

“The listed status of the bridge would also present significant challenges to such a proposal.”

Cllr Hardman responded: “I think it’s time we revisited the modelling of raising the approaches to the bridge in view of Rachel Reeves’ desire to see Worcestershire Parkway coming forward as quickly as possible.”

He said a review should be carried out of all of the “lower Avon crossing points” including Pershore Bridge.

“I don’t believe the economic modelling that the cabinet member suggested showed no payback will be true in the future,” added Cllr Hardman. “It is a question of trying to get in front of the curve, sir.”

Cllr Bayliss said: “I’m always delighted to take any thoughts from any member and particularly the environment ONS group and if this is something they wish to look at and give me advice on, I will definitely look into it further.”