Farmers protest as historic bridge faces closure

Farmers staged a rolling tractor convoy through three Solihull villages to protest over the impact a closure of a historic bridge might have.

Barston villagers, councillors and farmers gathered at Barston Bridge on Wednesday as pressure mounts on Solihull Council now a consultation on its future has come to an end.

Last year, safety concerns were raised about the bridge, which spans the River Blythe. The bridge dates back to 1859 and crosses over the river on Barston Lane, to the east of the village.

The council now has to decide whether to spend £2m on a new bridge built to withstand 40‑tonne loads or close the current one to all vehicles, leaving it open only for pedestrians and cyclists.

Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti has now intervened saying closure "is being treated as an acceptable outcome" by the council, adding he had deep concerns the consultation was not genuinely open.

Jeremy Emmett, chairman of Barston Parish Council, said they had been reassured over the years by council officers that the bridge would be replaced.

"[But] then it stalled," he said. "The impression we get from the council, all they ever say [is] they don't have the money.

"We need to fight to keep it open. [The consultation] is very biased to the closure of the bridge.

"We have got the Bulls Heads pub, West Midlands Golf Club, farms, the church – it doesn't make any sense."

Farmer Phil Kirkham, of Kirkham farm, said his family has been operating since 1950.

"If [it closed] you have to detour, it adds 10 to 15 minutes," he said. "It is a significant additional cost in terms of drivers' time.

"It shouldn't be up for debate, it should just be [repaired]."

After more than 50 villagers had gathered on the bridge farmers took part in the convoy with tractors having banners on the side reading "Save Barston Bridge or see me more", "1,000 extra vehicles here daily" and "SMBC don't close our bridge".

The convoy rolled through Hampton in Arden and Knowle to demonstrate the impact a bridge closure would have on those villages.

A Solihull Council spokesperson said no decision has been made on its future and that is was "engaging directly with local residents, farmers and business owners"

It said a drop-in session in Barston was held to provide an opportunity for people to ask questions.

"A full report with results of the consultation will be taken to a future environment and infrastructure decision session where the cabinet member will decide which option to move forward with."

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