Bridge demolition shuts North Oxford

摘要

Passing boaters might have assumed that this collapsing bridge on the North Oxford Canal was a symptom of underfuncling of British Waterways. But in fact Bridge 15, behind the Rose & Castle pub at Ansty, is owned by pub chain Punch Taverns. And Punch has now applied to BW to demolish the unsafe structure, resulting in a ten-day closure just when many boaters will be heading for Crick Show and other events. BW contacted Punch about the state of the bridge 18 months ago. In summer 2010 it warned Punch that the only feasible alternative to demolition was installing a temporary support while the arch was strengthened. Following further deterioration, Punch has requested a canal closure from May 9 to 19 to demolish the bridge.