A well-used Derbyshire bridge remains closed today (Wednesday, January 8) following serious flooding. Repton Bridge, which connects the villages of Repton and Willington, was shut yesterday (Tuesday, January 7) as flooding prevented motorists and pedestrians from using it.
Despite lowering flood water levels, Derbyshire County Council’s Highways team remain concerned about the bridge’s structural integrity. Derbyshire police officers have warned locals not to ignore the road closures signs.
A spokesperson from Merica and Hilton SNT posted on Facebook to say: “Early this morning, with some umbrage and astonishment, unknown people decided to hurl road closure signs from their official positions, resulting in other unaware motorists ending up in fast-flowing and dangerous flood water.”
In the statement, released at 12pm on Wednesday, January 8, officers continued: “Despite the flood waters lowering, Derbyshire County Council Highways Department remain concerned about the structural integrity of the bridge, the presence of hazardous black ice, as well as open, hidden and frozen drain covers in the flood waters.
“It is likely, but not confirmed, that the bridge will remain closed throughout Wednesday, 8 January 2025, with a review of the situation taking place later today.”
The police officers stationed at the closure were also subject to abuse, as several members of the public were “unable to contain their tempers at the sight of the road closure.”
Willington Parish Council has also updated residents of the area on the bridge closure, stating that the river levels have continued to drop, yet they remain concerned about the potential structural and road surface damage as a result of the floods.
Therefore the bridge will remain shut until Derbyshire County Council’s Highways team has assessed the bridge and deemed it safe for use.