Work continues on Stiffkey bridge at Cabbage Creek

Pictures posted by the trust show a large flat-bed truck and crane brought in to construct the new bridge at Stiffkey.

The beams arriving on site. (Image: National Trust) READ MORE: Cromer's Meadow Park horse chestnut tree to be felled says councillor

Two double-steel beams of about 20 metres, each beam weighing approximately 4.8 tonnes, were seen being brought onto the site.

READ MORE: Stiffkey Bridge is being constructed at Cabbage Creek

A beam being secured in place. (Image: National Trust) After the beams were delivered, staff watched at a distance as the crane moved the first one into place.

A beam being moved by a crane (Image: National Trust)READ MORE: National Trust begins work to replace Stiffkey bridge

The original bridge across marshland at Cabbage Creek was removed in 2022 by the National Trust after it was deemed unsafe. 

Its removal left locals with no way to cross the marsh.

With the months passing, locals took matters into their own hands and built two 'fairy bridges', infuriating National Trust officials.

One of the 'fairy bridges' (Image: Ian Curtis) The ongoing work began with the removal of one of these 'fairy bridges'.

The replacement bridge is hoped to be in place by early November. 

A spokesperson for the National Trust said: “This week has been a big week for our project team at Stiffkey, as the main steel beams and other components for the new footbridge have arrived on site.

"We’re incredibly grateful to the local community for working with us, as the large steel beams were carefully transported down narrow lanes before arriving in the car park, which was temporarily closed whilst the material was unloaded.

"Both steel beams have now been craned into place, a delicate operation that has taken several hours.

"The structure will now have its walkway and handrails added using a timber-effect recycled plastic, to give the bridge a more natural appearance in the landscape.”

Additional reporting by Jacqui Burgoyne.