Kempsey Parish Council has announced that the wooden bridge in the Rocky has been closed with immediate effectafter being declared unsafe and beyond repair. For everyone’s safety, please avoid the structure, supervise children, and use the alternative route until further notice.
But here’s the real bridge issue – and it’s one residents will recognise from previous minutes.
This bridge has been on borrowed time for years
Looking back through the Parish Council’s own minutes and notes, the Rocky bridge received temporary repairs over two years ago, along with clear recommendations for a full replacement. Despite that early warning, no permanent solution was progressed.
Now those temporary fixes have finally given up – and so has the bridge.
Delays, delays… and possibly more delays
From the most recent discussions, it appears the Council is now looking at securing grant funding for the replacement. While grants can be useful, they can also take months to secure, leaving the community without a vital crossing for an extended period.
In other words:
The bridge isn’t the only thing stuck.
Budget priorities also raise questions
According to the Parish Council’s publicly available budget, nearly 40% of the annual precept is allocated to staffing costs (£99,815). With such a significant portion of the budget already committed, capital projects like bridge replacements appear to rely heavily on external grants – which may explain the continued delays.
Residents deserve clear action, not more waiting
The Rocky is one of Kempsey’s most treasured green spaces, enjoyed by walkers, families, dog owners, and visitors every single day. A safe, functioning bridge shouldn’t be a luxury – it’s basic infrastructure.
We hope the Parish Council moves swiftly, prioritises the replacement, and keeps residents updated with realistic timelines and transparent decisions.
Until then, stay safe, use the alternative route, and let’s hope it’s not another two years of “temporary measures.”
