ONE of the people most affected by the loss of Eastham Bridge believes that the fact that the new structure has not been enlarged may be a good thing.

Celia Adams, who farms on both sides of the River Teme, says that the overwhelming feeling among villagers is relief that the new bridge has opened.

It replaced the one that dramatically fell into the river on a spring day in May 2016.

“Villagers from Eastham and the villages beyond are delighted the bridge is open so there is no need for the lengthy 10-mile detours,” said Celia Adams.

“The children get to catch the bus 10 minutes later in the morning and arrive home 10 minutes earlier.

“Commuters set off later and get home earlier and less frustrated after their trips to Kidderminster, Stourport, Bewdley, Droitwich, Worcester, Birmingham and London.

“Farmers get to “pop” across the bridge again saving the 10-mile detours each way. The milkmen, postmen, couriers, grocery delivery vans can all return to normality after the nightmare of the last 11 months.”

Celia Adams said that people are not too concerned that the bridge is no wider than the one built in the 1790s and believes that there may be some advantages.

“People are so pleased to have the Eastham Bridge back that they are not too worried that it is not possible to allow two vehicles to pass on the bridge.

“When the bridge opened first, it had temporary barriers but now the permanent barriers are in place there is much more room.

“Many have asked why a wider bridge was not built so traffic could pass each other on the bridge and whether the bridge is future proof. The general feeling however is relief that there is a crossing again and this outweighs these considerations.

“Indeed the narrow bridge (four metres) slows people down as they approach the busy A443 from the south side.”

She added that many lives were disrupted by the absence of a bridge for almost a year.

“For the farmers, the time wasted driving through narrow lanes with all sorts of farm equipment, reversing up when meeting others not to mention the hours wasted to get equipment and animals in the right place at the right time,” added Celia Adams.

“The best part was that the weather was kind both for all the villagers and the contractors working on the long project so everything ran to schedule.

“For mothers like Helen Matravers it was the daily journeys all the way around to Lindridge to take and collect children to pre-school - by the time Helen did the long detour it was hardly worth coming home again.

“Helen says the bridge is fantastic and she has a life back.

"For Phil Gray the bridge meant extra time most days travelling an extra 98 miles each week around the lanes to deliver milk, newspapers and regular updates on the bridge’s progress – Phil can revert to normal now and everyone can get their milk and papers on time again.”