TREKELLAND Bridge carries the B3274 over the River Inny south of Launceston. Over recent years damage from vehicle impact has forced closure of the bridge for emergency repairs causing disruption for users of this

important route and businesses in the surrounding area. This situation was brought to the attention of Cornwall Council's Highway Service at a joint

meeting of the Parish Councils.

The views expressed at this meeting have been incorporated into a scheme designed to reduce the number of accidents thus protecting the bridge – a Scheduled Ancient Monument­­ – and reducing disruption to the local community.

During the past year South Petherwin Parish Council has worked with Cornwall Highways Bridge engineer officer Simon Lowry and Highway officer Oliver Jones, on improvements to the entrances on both sides of Trekelland bridge on the B3254. In consultation with Lewannick and North Hill Parish, along with local businesses, farmers and parishioners a bridge report was produced and the actions from that report are now to be put in place. This will include white lining, new curbing and new signage. A number of councillors are concerned that these works will not be robust enough to reduce damage to the Bridge, suggesting a new bridge – alongside the existing one – fit for modern traffic would be more appropriate.

County Councillor Phil Parsons has requested that these views be part of the Local Transport Plan for

future projects.

He said: "While this may not be the project people had hoped to see it does mean that a parish led project does have a voice and results can be achieved. We as parish may have to

revisit this issue in the future but at least there is an effort being made to protect our much loved ancient bridge, Trekelland."

Diversion routes will be signposted for the duration of the works which are programmed to start on March 1 for up to three weeks.

South Petherwin village will be open for business as usual during the bridge date closures period.