Derelict Barforth Bridge

Today's blip is of a derelict bridge that joins Barforth Hall and a small community of seven houses with the village of Gainford in County Durham. At least it used to....

Built over 50 years by the army to link to a quarry, the bridge has fallen into disrepair. One of the supporting piers has collapsed into the river Tees and many of the timber decking planks have rotted and some of the metal mesh on the sides is damaged.

It was declared unsafe and closed in 2009 - but this left the hamlet cut off - leaving residents with a 14 mile detour to the village.

Apparently it is not clear who owns the bridge and so no one is prepared to pay for the repairs.