STAND-OFF OVER REPAIR BILL

WHILE a temporary bridge would allow pedestrians to cross the River Derwent at the mills once again, it does not necessarily mean the council will rebuild the existing structure.

That is due to the bridge being subject to a complicated legal process known as escheat, where it is owned by the Crown Estate, having automatically fallen into the ownership of the monarch due to being ownerless for several years.

The Crown Estate cannot take any revenue from structures subject to escheat, but neither will it repair it as it assumes liability for an asset that may prove hugely expensive and cannot generate revenue.

As a result, a stand-off has ensued over who should foot the bill for repairs, which Nigel Brien, head of traffic and transportation at the council, has estimated could cost at least £1 million and take months.

Councillor Martin Repton said: “Like many local people I am disappointed there has been a failure to positively engage the Government and Crown Estates in finding short-, medium- and longterm solutions to replacing the bridge. The city council will have to fund the temporary bridge in the short term at least, as no one else is coming forward to offer to help at this stage.

“The existing bridge has been inspected and it is doubtful it is economically repairable even for a short-term ‘fix’. Temporary bridge companies are and have been looking at the site and are actively looking for the right solution and bridge for this site. I have asked that there is regular and meaningful communication and engagement with local people and businesses.”