This is the latest information we have on the bridge closure at the mills. It’s from Alison Martin, one of the local councillors:
Darley Abbey Mills Bridge Update
Darley Councillors Alison Martin, Carmel Swan and Martin Repton today received an update on the prospects for the bridge. As anticipated, the existing bridge is unrepairable and looks unusable in any way, thus the supplementary, temporary bridge solution is being progressed. This temporary bridge is being ordered and could be in place in 8-12 weeks, but possibly longer depending on the situation with the foundations for it. The Council will pay for it, at a cost of between £450,000 and £550,000. We have stressed the need to have a strong emergency response plan in place for residents and businesses in the area, and the Derby and Derbyshire Emergency Planning Team are focusing on the needs of people in and near to the Mills and are looking at every way they can be helped and reached in the event of need. The long-term solution for a permanent replacement for the bridge is also a focus, but looking at different funding possibilities will take some time, though all options are on the table. The need for a bridge and the needs of local residents remain a top priority, and we will continue to press for these to be met by the authorities.