The parish of Newton Poppleford and Harpford are currently joined by the Red Bridge. This bridge also links Harpford with Tipton St John and is a vital part of the East Devon Way.

Harpford only has a small village hall and a church. To access the primary school, post office, shop, hairdressers, pub, bus stops, play park and other recreational facilities residents have to be able to get to Newton Poppleford. Many residents from Northmostown, Newton Poppleford and Tipton also regularly use this hugely popular route.

The main road bridge on the A3052 over the River Otter has no pedestrian footpath, is narrow and highly dangerous. So, the Red Bridge is the only access walking route to Newton Poppleford.

In October 2020, Devon County Council completed some minor work to the Red Bridge after a petition to save the Red Bridge received 2700 supporters. At this time Val Ranger, our District Councellor, explained that DCC would not spend any further money in maintaining the Red Bridge, but there were plans to put a new bridge and a safe accessible pathway between Lower Way and Webbers Meadow.  

Two years have now passed and nothing has been agreed. 

Whilst the preferred option of many residents and users is to continue to use the Red Bridge, regrettably Devon County Council have made it clear that the Red Bridge will not be maintained. Without continued maintenance it is possible that the Red Bridge will closed as deemed unsafe, or lost altogether. Also, the riverbank erosion on the Newton Poppleford bank could eventually cut access to the bridge entrance itself. Harpford will then be cut off completely.

Beyond the bridge, the path across the fields is also very dangerous.  It has disappeared completely in some areas and is extremely narrow, crumbling into the river, in others. There is no access for families with pushchairs. The paths are muddy and slippery and the fields are often flooded. 

This petition is to show that there is significant support for a new bridge to provide a safe pedestrian route between Harpford and Newton Poppleford and to maintain the East Devon Way. It is also to remind Devon County Council of their duty to build strong connected communities and support the safety, health and well-being of all residents.

Please show your support by signing below. Thank you.