Significant local funding and ability have gone into the construction of a new flood plain footbridge adjacent to the Culm River at Hemyock.  Funded by Hemyock Parish Council and replacing an existing but dilapidated bridge, the £56,000 structure was put into early use recently when the river flooded across the whole flood plain area (see picture).
 
The footbridge was built alongside the northern road into the village on land donated by local farmer Geoff Ackland who was invited to formally open the bridge last Sunday (21st) morning (see picture).   Around 80 local people joined with parish councillors to brave the November weather to see this 2 year project finally come to fruition.  A great advocate of the scheme, Chairman of the District Council Frank Rosamond participated in the opening, along with Parish Council Chairman Heather Stallard.

Mrs Stallard was keen to make special reference to the hard work of Parish Councillor Lance Povah who had nursed the project from conception to completion.  She also thanked contractors South West Highways represented by Laura Shaw, Mark Richmond Architects represented by Daron Stockham, and Ian Branch of Clarke Bond engineering (who lives in the village).

 
 After the opening the assembled company moved to the warmth of the nearby Millhayes Hall (the Blackdown Healthy Living Centre) to enjoy a celebratory glass of bubbly and mince-pies.
 
Pictures -
Flood Bridge 1 Being used for real, note the existing dilapidated structure on the other side of the road.
Flood Bridge 2 Cutting the Tape.  Farmer Geoff Ackland cuts the tape (bailer twine) and declares the bridge open!
Flood Bridge 3 Plenty of well wishers