Cairn Bridge troubles made worse by long delays

Local resident Richard Harris said that the road has been closed for "many months" at Cairn Bridge which is near Heads Nook and south of the A69.

He said that the road there collapsed into a ravine and work to repair it started last year and he added: "For a long-time traffic lights were installed so traffic could squeeze through."

However, he said that the work stopped after three weeks and the road was completely closed and added: "And it's remained closed ever since, with only pedestrians and cyclists able to use it. And there's no sign of it ever reopening."

He said that, despite it not being a main road, it was a well-used route and the closure was a “nuisance” to many people.

Cllr Roger Dobson (Image: Newsquest)

Local councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) said he was also concerned by the continued road closure and has highlighted the issue with both the leader of the council and chief executive.

In his email to them he said the "long-standing problem" was the source of huge inconvenience and frustration for hundreds of residents in his ward. He added: "I am concerned that the reputation of the council is being damaged and there are worrying indicators of escalating civil disobedience."

He said a subsidence problem was identified on the C1026 some years ago where the road crosses the Cairn Beck on the approach the bridge and the traffic lights were put in place in 2020 and the work, which was expected to last just seven weeks, finally started in July 2023.

Cllr Dobson said: "Three weeks into the work the landowner on whose land the work was being undertaken objected and work stopped in mid-August. Plant and equipment lay idle for many weeks before being removed.

"I was informed in September that the Council was in discussions with the landowner to resolve the access problem. In November I was advised that legal steps had been initiated that should enable work to recommence in December."

However, four months on, there has since been no progress and he said: "It is deeply disappointing that Cumberland Council has failed residents of Faugh, Heads Nook and How so badly.

"The Cairn Bridge saga is one of incompetence and complacency on an epic scale. After eight months of inaction, it beggars’ belief that the administration shows little willingness to get a grip and solve the problem.”

At the time of publication no one from Cumberland Council was available for comment but it is understood that the authority was awaiting legal advice.