THE site of the historic Bewdley toll house, built as part of the legendary Thomas Telford bridge but subsequently demolished, is being marked by the town's civic society.

A section of pavement - still protruding onto the highway on the Wribbenhall side of the bridge - has been replaced and marked with a metal plaque, due to be unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday by Lord Sandys, the society president.

The work has been carried out under the watchful eye of the society's architect, Graham Luxford.

Vice president of Bewdley Civic Society Ken Hobson said: "Many people are quite unaware there ever was a toll house and this society has for some time been anxious to ensure its former existence should not be forgotten.

"The plaque will feature a drawing of the house copied from Telford's original plans - Graham has done a marvellous job."

The toll house was built alongside the bridge in 1798 and was used to charge people to cross into Bewdley for a further 36 years, helping pay for the cost of construction.

It was demolished in 1960, despite an attempt by the civic society to save it - a move which would have cost £2,850 - less than the cost of the current plaque project.

Mr Hobson said: "It is somewhat ironic this is less than the cost of merely restoring the ground today."

The opening ceremony will take place at noon.