Thetford Town Council withdraws Nuns' Bridges plans

Thetford Town Council has withdrawn its plans to create a more efficient route between the three Nuns' Bridges over the Thet and Ouse rivers. 

The authority had hoped to build a new crossing next to the middle bridge due to concerns about the safety of pedestrians who currently have to walk alongside traffic.

However, these designs have been scrapped following objections due to the proximity of the new footway to the existing historic crossings. 

One of the Nuns' Bridges in Thetford (Image: Ian Burt) The Grade II listed Nuns' Bridges are believed to have taken their name from the nearby nunnery at Thetford Priory.

They were the site of a ducking stool in the Middle Ages, where women accused of disorderly conduct were immersed in the water as punishment. 

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One of the bridges pictured in 1965 (Image: Archant Library)The crossings are now used by both vehicles and pedestrians, many of whom say the narrow route is currently "too dangerous".

While plans for a new crossing were warmly received by locals, Thetford Town Council was advised by consultants that its designs for a new footway were too close to the existing bridges.

The Environment Agency also objected to the application, which was lodged with Breckland Council, due to the lack of an adequate flood risk assessment. 

One of the historic bridges (Image: Archant) A spokesman for the council said: "The planning application for the proposed footbridge near Nuns' Bridges in Thetford has been temporarily withdrawn to address ongoing issues with the design and location. 

"We are currently scheduling a meeting to discuss alternative solutions and to ensure the bridge design complies with all legal and historic requirements. Once these issues are resolved, a revised planning application will be submitted. 

"The council is committed to working towards a resolution for these issues, to support improving walking and cycling opportunities locally and tackling longstanding public safety issues in the area.

"This is a temporary pause in the process, and we will endeavour to keep the community updated as developments in the application progress."