Start repair work on Cuckoo’s Hollow closed bridges

Bridges in the reserve are inspected every two years and in January the council said signs of deterioration had been found.

The investigation found that three bridges, bordering Baron Court, Lakeside and Welbourne, had deteriorated much faster than expected and posed a risk to public safety.

While these structures were closed, the junction at Camelia Close remained open to the public.

PCC said as part of ecological research, evidence of water voles was also found.

“The work to disperse these voles was recently completed ahead of the hibernation season, so as not to delay the main construction work,” an authority spokesperson said.

“Site mobilization is expected to commence on November 25 with the establishment of the site complexes and access arrangements, with the construction program commencing in December.

“We expect workers to be on site until mid-May 2025.”

They added that footpaths “approaching the bridges” will be closed during this time to “facilitate the removal and installation of the structures”.

“The bridges should be reopened in April 2025, depending on the progress of construction work due to weather conditions,” they said.