More than 100 people have officially complained about a decision to block up a disused railway bridge with concrete as part of a campaign which could see the bridge restored.

The bridge, at Congham, on the former King’s Lynn to Fakenham line was ‘filled in’ two years ago by National Highways, which claims it was a public safety risk.

But the decision – and similar ‘infill’ schemes around the UK - have prompted outrage from heritage campaigners with one describing it as “wanton vandalism”.  

Campaigners say they want the infill material removed.

Eastern Daily Press: The bridge at Congham before it was filled inThe bridge at Congham before it was filled in (Image: Richard Humphrey)

The Congham bridge was filled in without planning permission with National Highways saying it did not need such approval.

But West Norfolk council has ordered it to apply for retrospective planning permission.

As part of this, 100 letters of objection have been submitted.

Dr John Criddle said: "Destructive unnecessary blocking of this heritage asset is wanton vandalism."

Eastern Daily Press: St Andrews Lane crosses a bridge over the disused King's Lynn to Fakenham line at ConghamSt Andrews Lane crosses a bridge over the disused King's Lynn to Fakenham line at Congham (Image: The HRE Group)

Dr Iain Gow added: "The fact that it has already been done, without proper scrutiny should be a source of shame to National Highways, who stretched the facts using permitted development powers."

Norfolk County Council hopes to transform some of the web of former branch lines which criss-cross the county into routes for cycling and walking, including the Lynn - Fakenham line which closed to passengers in 1959.

The Historic Rail Estate (HRE) Group said the bridge had now been "put beyond use", effectively blocking any future route.

Objector Fiona Jones said: "At a time when councils should be looking to improve active travel options this is wrong."

Eastern Daily Press: The bridge pictured before the line was closedThe bridge pictured before the line was closed (Image: M&GN Trust)

The bridge is one of just six which were built in the 1920s by William Marriott, engineer of the Midland and Great Northern Railway, featuring curved wingwalls.

National Highways says in a planning statement: "The evidential and historic value of the bridge however, are unaffected by the works, with the structure being preserved within the infilling for posterity."

Around 50 bridges have been buried like the structure at Congham. But a number of councils have now said National Highways must apply for planning permission to do so and it has been ordered to removed material from a bridge in Cumbria after failing to secure it.