Richard Foord has written to the Environment Secretary, asking him to intervene over the ongoing closure of a bridge in Ottery St Mary.

The MP for Sidmouth and Honiton is calling for the re-opening of The Coleridge Bridge, which spans 70m across the River Otter and opened in 2011, was hit by a tree around a year ago.

Repairs since have been delayed by the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, that requires a permit for works.

It means that no reconstruction work can take place until next summer, to allow for fish to spawn.

This has frustrated residents, councillors and families who are very concerned about the safety of hundreds of King’s School students, many of whom must walk a mile or so on narrow pavements along busy roads, twice a day.

Richard explains: “The funding for the repairs is being provided by Devon County Council. However, its engineers are anxious that the work is completed urgently, to avoid further damage, delay and expense.”

“I am fully supportive of any legislation that seeks to protect nature and the important life within our rivers, yet I am also very concerned for the safety of hundreds of students in Ottery St Mary, crammed onto narrow pavements, walking to and from The King’s School twice a day, along busy main roads.

“I have written to the Environment Secretary, asking him to amend the law for exceptional circumstances such as these, so that this essential work can take place promptly. Otherwise, by the time the bridge is back in use, it will have been closed for almost two years.”

Around a year ago, a large tree fell onto the bridge during a storm and damaged it so badly that it had to be closed.

In the months since its closure, the foundations of the bridge have been eroded by the river, to the extent that a section now needs replacing.

Richard arranged a site meeting on land next to the Coleridge Bridge on Friday November 15, along with Ottery St Mary Mayor Richard Grainger, Devon County Councillor Jess Bailey and East Devon District Councillor, Vicky Johns. Devon County Council and Environment Agency were also represented.

At the meeting it was stated that the earliest date for the bridge repairs to take place was sometime next summer, with it potentially being out of use until next autumn.

The Coleridge bridge was erected in 2011 specifically to allow for the safe passage of King’s School students and has been an extremely helpful safety addition to the town for all residents wishing to reach the school or sports centre.

Mr Foord added: “I do hope that the Environment Secretary will be able to help Ottery St Mary in speeding up the re-opening of this essential facility.”