Villagers draw a line under Ovington bridge repairs dispute

A BRIDGE which collapsed more than three years ago has been rebuilt two metres too short, according to villagers.
Ovington Bridge crumbled in 2012 after a spell of wet weather triggered a landslip on its southern side.
Members of Ovington Parish Council have argued the repaired grade II-listed structure is two metres shorter than its original incarnation.  But Durham County Council officials have long disagreed – saying there will be no more work done on the bridge.
Cllr Margaret Towler said: “It is a fact the bridge ends do not match up – county councillor James Rowlandson agreed with us but it’s just gone nowhere.
“Can we not make an official complaint?”
The bridge was rebuilt at a cost of £103,000 and reopened in 2013.
County officials told the parish council the repairs had re-established its integrity and significance – pointing to an “excellent salvage rate” with only one new coping stone needed.
Cllr Maureen Begg revealed English Heritage had also reported back saying they were happy with the works and not seeking to intervene on the county council’s decision.
Villagers have also pointed to screen grabs on Google Earth as evidence the bridge kerb is short.
However, after three years of talks, Cllr Nigel Parkes thought it was time to draw a line under the dispute.
“We could spend a lot of effort on fighting a battle we cannot win,” he said.
“Keep it on record that it is definitely two metres too short – I don’t think it’s worth the energy or the time.
“There’s a danger that the county council say Ovington can have a big ugly crash barrier in front of the fence and we would not want that.”
Cllr Towler added: “If it ever goes again it would be nice to get it back the way it was.”