Council lobbies Government for funding to help replace Darley Abbey Toll Bridge

Published: 22 January 2024

Derby City Council is appealing to the Government for funding to help secure a new bridge across the river at Darley Abbey.

The Toll Bridge crosses the Derwent at the historic Darley Abbey Mills and closed in May 2022, after an inspection found it was in a dangerous condition. Although it is not owned by the Council, the Council has provided a temporary bridge to maintain access for walkers and cyclists since October 2022.

Known as Walter’s Walkway, the temporary bridge sits above the original structure and is a vital link between Darley Abbey and the Darley Abbey Mills business area, Darley Park, and the Haslams Lane area, which is at risk of flooding.

However there is currently no access for vehicles and the bridge remains unusable. Its ownership is a complex issue, but the importance of the link for the local community prompted Cabinet to approve the temporary bridge using powers under the Localism Act 2011.

With the local Government sector facing unprecedented financial challenges, Derby City Council does not have the capital funding available to fund a permanent replacement which would restore full access for the community.

Now the Leader of the Council, Councillor Baggy Shanker, and Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, have written a letter to Mark Harper, Secretary of State for Transport, and Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, requesting urgent funding to start work on the project.

This would kickstart a feasibility study, detailed design work and costings for a new bridge to replace the unsafe one.

Councillor Swan said:

This link is vital for connecting the community of Darley Abbey and the wider Derby city community. It is a lifeline for the businesses in the Mills. The Mill complex and Darley Park are an important part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley World Heritage Site, and the loss of the bridge had an immediate impact on connecting our communities and the visitor economy. For this reason we’re writing to Lucy Frazer as well as Mark Harper.

Councillor Shanker said:

The Council has done all it can in the short term, and it’s important for the community to know we will continue to pursue all avenues. However, with the way Councils are currently funded by central Government, we are limited in what we can do without further financial help, so we’re calling on Government to help us support residents and businesses.

Community