Today, 28th April 2022, is the 125th Anniversary of the opening of Boxted bridge. On the 28th April 1897 The Evening Star reported that ‘The Boxted Bridge, which has been built by Mr George Double of Ipswich is now completed and opened for traffic, so that the road to Nayland is once more available'. The bridge had taken just five months to build since the tender of £927 to build the bridge had been accepted on 14th November 1896.
The bridge is listed on Colchester BC's Local List which seeks to safeguard selected non-designated heritage assets that, although not suitable for designation nationally, are valued by the local community and make a significant contribution to the heritage of Colchester and the surrounding villages.
Highways' own commissioned Heritage Assessment on Boxted bridge strongly recommends a conservative approach, 'that the bridge is fully retained and sympathetic repairs are undertaken which do not detract from the architectural interest of the structure.' 'All other alternative approaches will result in harm to heritage assets'.
Essex County Council has a duty of regard, as set out in Section 85 of the CROW Act, ‘in exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land’ in these areas. and 'to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of their one Area of Outstanding Beauty'.
It should be a day to celebrate, instead, the threat of unlawful and unnecessary demolition hangs over the venerable bridge. The battle continues to save Boxted bridge during this 125th anniversary year!
S.O.B.