The village where people are 'trapped' - and risking their lives to get in and out

'Trapped' villagers are risking their lives to cross a bridge which has been closed because it's at risk of collapsing. Residents in Plumley in Cheshire are moving safety barriers out of the way to cross Booths Bridge, because the alternative is a diversion route of several miles, CheshireLive reports.

But by doing so, they're putting their lives at risk, it's been warned. The bridge on Cheadle Lane has been out of action for 15 months, even to pedestrians. Work to demolish it was supposed to start at the beginning of last month but residents say they have now been told more surveys need to be done, leading to further delay.

They are demanding to know why these weren’t done sooner. Andrew Nangle said: "The bridge being out of action, even to pedestrians as it is deemed to be at risk of imminent collapse, means we have a several mile diversion in the car.

READ MORE: Manchester Arndale market remains closed after fire at food stall

READ MORE: Man charged following death of beloved grandad after A6 crash

"It is impractical by foot, so we are trapped. The delay is a serious health and safety issue because pedestrians are moving the barriers and walking across the bridge. If it gives way then somebody could be injured or killed.”

Cheshire East warned there were ‘serious safety concerns’ with the bridge and ‘under no circumstances’ should anyone walk or drive over it.

A council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The closure of the road is due to the serious safety concerns with the old bridge. As part of the process to replace the bridge, agreements with statutory undertakers, such as BT and the Environment Agency, are essential. This is taking place in conjunction with the design of the new bridge.