The Stiffkey ‘bridge fairies’ have struck once again – with another new bridge appearing across the marshes.
In March last year, the National Trust, which owns the land at Stiffkey, removed a wooden bridge over the marshes after deeming it to be structurally unsafe.
The charity has promised to replace the bridge, but – after leaving locals without a way of safely crossing the marsh for the last 18 months – a structure appeared in July, with the identity of those behind the build remaining unknown.
READ MORE: Tensions escalate as National Trust warns locals in 'fairy bridge' dispute
However, the bridge was removed by the National Trust earlier this month in what was described by locals as “an early morning raid”.
The charity said the “unauthorised” bridge was both “dangerous and unlicensed”, sending out a warning that any future structures would also be removed.
Now, a new bridge has appeared – with the mysterious ‘bridge fairies’ seemingly sprinkling more magic over the troubled waters in Stiffkey.
READ MORE: Air ambulance called to north Norfolk beach as two children are rescued from the sea
Ian Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner, said he was out for a morning walk on Monday (August 20) when he first saw the “wonderful” structure.
“With camera in hand I rushed down there after the tide had gone out and realised the marsh fairies had not abandoned us after all,” Mr Curtis said.
The National Trust has said it will cost around £250,000 to replace the bridge it removed last year.
In March 2022, when the National Trust first removed the original bridge, the charity said it had no plans to replace it, but later announced it would be building a new one after coming under pressure from campaigners.
The charity claims to have already committed £20,000 in fees and surveys to work towards submitting a formal planning application – but nothing has been officially submitted as of yet.
A National Trust spokesperson said: “We’re aware that another unauthorised bridge has been built at Stiffkey.
“We’re currently in contact with the Crown Estate who own the creek, and Natural England, who lease the creek from the Crown, regarding our next steps.
"As we recently stated, structures that are deemed dangerous, unlicensed and unconsented will be removed.
“We remain committed to rebuilding the bridge. In the meantime, we once again advise people to avoid using this bridge for their own safety and to not rely on it as a means of escape from the saltmarsh at high tide.”
Stiffkey Parish Council said although the last temporary bridge "wasn't safe for continued use", both bridges have "demonstrated how quickly a temporary crossing could be erected whilst plans for a permanent replacement are finalised".
A Stiffkey Parish Council spokesperson said: "The National Trust seem to be dragging their heels over the bridge - they haven’t even put in a planning application yet, and they've not given us any meaningful reasons for the continued delay.
"Whatever the costs of the new bridge, surely the chance of someone getting stranded out on the marshes with no crossing to get them to safety is not a price worth paying?
"We should also not forget, the marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), but since the bridge's demise visitors have been tramping all over the place disturbing wildlife and damaging the marsh trying to get to the beach."
Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk, has said “the urgency of getting the bridge rebuilt can’t be overstated".
"As I campaigned for, it is simply dangerous for people to be cut off by rising tides and that is why we must get the bridge back as soon as possible.
"All the indications I’ve had is it is likely to be back in Spring 2024 and I will do all I can to ensure this deadline is kept. We can’t be without it for another season.”
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