Work has finally begun on the long-awaited Stiffkey bridge replacement. 

Trucks and equipment began to arrive early this morning to set up the site for the replacement of the bridge, which has caused controversy over its closure.

Two 'fairy bridges' were mysteriously erected after the removal of the north Norfolk bridge in 2022.

It had been deemed unsafe by the National Trust and its removal had left locals with no way of crossing the marsh.

The arrival of trucks and equipment comes as the National Trust announced it had secured both a licence from the Marine Management Organisation and planning approval from the North Norfolk District Council to replace the bridge at Stiffkey.

Ian Curtis and other local campaigners had previously accused the National Trust of dragging out the process of providing a new bridge. 

Mr Curtis said: “It’s what we have been wanting and now everything is in place.

“I think there will be lots of sadness to see the fairy bridge go.

“It has been a symbol of resistance against the tyranny of the National Trust which they have tried to impose upon us mere peasants.”

Ian Curtis standing on the 'fairy bridge' after it was erected last yearIan Curtis standing on the 'fairy bridge' after it was erected last year (Image: Denise Bradley)

A spokesperson for the National Trust has said: "The project to replace the bridge, from enabling works through to site handover, is expected to last eight weeks and members of the public are advised to avoid the Cabbage Creek area whilst construction work is taking place.

"The contractor will have safety notices clearly displayed in the area and these should be followed at all times."

But fairy bridges had infuriated officials at the National Trust, which owns the marshes.