A mysterious crossing at the Stiffkey Marshes which came to be known as the ‘fairy bridge’ has been removed.
No-one claimed responsibility for building the bridge, which appeared late last month, leading to locals saying it was put up by magical marsh fairies.
It was put up amid a long-running row between Stiffkey locals and the National Trust, which owns the marshes.
Locals had grown tired of waiting for the charity to replace an older wooden bridge at the spot, which was removed in March last year after being deemed structurally unsafe for public use.
National Trust officers were seen taking it down and swiftly transporting it away in the back of a trailer early on Wednesday morning (August 9).
READ MORE: Mystery Stiffkey bridge closed off by National Trust
Ian Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner, said locals were “devastated” that their bridge is gone.
“It was an early morning raid,” he said.
“It gave us access once again out onto the marsh and allowed people to get back off the marsh in high tide.
“There’s nothing at all to stop people walking through the creek when the tides out, and they walk out to towards the sea with no idea what’s going on behind
them.
“Next thing, the tide has come in, there’s no way of getting back across and they’re stuck.”
The National Trust has promised it is working on a project to build a new bridge, but the charity previously said it could cost up to £250,000.
It is predicted locals could have to wait until spring 2024 for the replacement.
However, Mr Curtis said it was possible that the bridge fairies could work their magic once again.
“We don’t know with fairies – they’re unpredictable creatures,” he said.
“They can be quite cunning, and we never know what’s going to happen next.
“We’ll just have to wait and see.”
A National Trust spokesperson said: “We do not know who recently installed the current bridge across the creek and cannot vouch for its construction.
"We have been advising people walking in the area to avoid using it for their own safety and to not rely on it as a means of escape from the saltmarsh at high tide.
“Following conversations with the Crown Estate and Natural England, neither of whom has given permission for the use of the land, we are removing this structure on their behalf as they have deemed it dangerous and unlicensed.
"There has also been an increase in erosion in the channel since the bridge was put in place."
The spokesperson said safety remained the trust's key priority at the site, and they encouraged visitors to follow signage and the most up to date tide timetable, provided by the RNLI.
He said: “We continue to move forward with our plans to rebuild Stiffkey Bridge, however, we need to ensure that what is built is robust, safe and suitable for this inter-tidal coastal location.”
READ MORE: Stiffkey residents could have to wait until 2024 for new marsh bridge, says MP
READ MORE: 'Grim concern' - Villagers voice anger over plans to shut GP surgery
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here