A HISTORIC river crossing featured in hit Netflix show Sex Education will be completely shut from next spring for safety work, reports NICK HARTLAND.

Tintern’s Grade II-listed wireworks bridge has been closed to motor traffic since August, sparking a 1,000-name petition calling for its reopening launched by a farming family on the Forest side of the river who were blocked from crossing.

Cyclists and pedestrians have been able to use it in the meantime to access the likes of Devil’s Pulpit, Brockweir and the 2020-opened Tidenham railway tunnel cycle trail.

But even they will be unable to cross after next school half-term, with work projected to last right up to the school summer holidays.

Built in 1876 in sight of Tintern Abbey to link the wireworks to the Wye Valley railway line on the English bank, it was used by engines until 1901 when it was left to horses serving the village sawmills and wood turnery works.

Jointly owned by Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire councils, it was closed to cars and other vehicles last summer after a structural assessment ruled it needed safety work.

But a Monmouthshire Council spokesperson announced its total closure for safety work, saying: "With the bridge deteriorating, major repairs need to be made that will strengthen the bridge and secure its long-term future, rather than a temporary repair which would not be cost effective or have any lasting effect.

"The planned works will include the removal of the existing timber deck and replacement with a deck to meet the required capacity.

"In addition, the structure will need to be strengthened and this will include the installation of new box beams to replace the existing corroding steel infrastructure.

"Grit blasting will take place, as well as repointing of the masonry abutments/piers.

"Some of these activities will unfortunately mean that the bridge will have to be closed to all pedestrians and bicycles - for example, the timber deck will have to be fully removed for a significant period of the construction phase.

"The current plan is to start work in spring 2022. This is not a decision that was made lightly due to the appreciation of the inconvenience this will cause.

"However, undertaking the work over winter would present additional risks in relation to flooding, high water levels, a safe working environment, poor weather and shorter hours of daylight, all of which risk extending the duration of the works."

The next phase of the project, which is being led by Gloucestershire Council, will be to tender the works out and to consider mitigation measures possible to reduce the impact.

The spokesperson added: "Both councils would welcome suggestions or insights on any additional measures from local businesses, residents and other users of the bridge.

"Planning has already begun, which will include advanced warning of the Public Right of Way closure, with maps posted at all routes leading to the bridge, and local car parks, advising of alternative walking routes. Planned phasing of construction activities will aim to minimise disruption, an example of this is the aim to programme the grit blasting to start after school spring half term holidays and complete prior to school summer holidays."

Cabinet member for infrastructure, Cllr Jane Pratt, said: "We support Gloucestershire Council’s difficult decision to bring forward the repair works to the wireworks bridge.

"While we recognise the inconvenience this will bring, we wish to see the bridge safe, restored to its former glory and re-opened as quickly as possible."

Tintern ward member Cllr Ann Webb said: "I understand the frustration of residents and business, but I accept the engineer’s opinion and that this work on the bridge is urgent and needs to be done as soon as all the permissions are in place."

Residents and businesses, including hotels and other holiday accommodation, will receive a letter with details of the closure and alternative routes. Gloucestershire County Council plans to undertake consultation and public events in early 2022 to share the proposals for the planned works.

Last summer, the Simpson family of Ferry Farm on the English bank of the Wye protested that they had been "completely cut-off" by the vehicle closure, which saw concrete bollards installed.

Launching a petition which attracted more than 1,000 names, Caroline Simpson said: "The bridge has got so much history attached to it and it’s our only access to our land. Now we are unable to get to our land - we’re cut off.

"The land needs to be maintained and my dad needs to get agricultural vehicles across to service the land."

While there is an alternative access route to the land, Ms Simpson said it is "impassable" and "not a viable option."

Updates will be posted at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/major-projects-list/tintern-wireworks-bridge-improvements/

A webpage containing more information about the scheme can be accessed at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/tintern-bridge