THE recent damage to the canal bridge at Crooklands highlights once again the problems in maintaining these old bridges under the pressures of heavier and longer vehicles on our roads.

I believe there is a cost-effective solution which would protect these bridges from some of the damage they receive.

On a recent walk I crossed Scroggs Bridge, an old bridge which crosses the River Kent just north of Staveley on the narrow road to Kentmere. The bridge itself is not unlike the Crooklands Bridge in design and position, and over the years has suffered similar ‘hits’ from vehicles on their way to Kentmere.

The enclosed photographs show the work carried out on this bridge to force the wheels of the vehicles away from the bridge superstructure and protect it from vehicle damage.

Perhaps this would be a cost effective solution on all the canal bridges?

Bill Wood

Kendal