Sheepy Conservation Group
A "new " bridge for 2004
(click on the picture to enlarge - may take a while to load)
We thought everyone would like to know that Lovett's Bridge has been restored following the hard campaigning effort of the Sheepy Conservation Group.
Triggered by the Sheepy Parish Plan late in 2002 a group of parishioner from Sheepy Parva, Sheepy Magna and Wellsborough shared a desire to save Lovett's Bridge, an old footbridge crossing the river Sence at the ford in Sheepy Parva.
Subjected to significant vandalism and the decay of age this lovely bridge, which is believed to have been built as a packhorse bridge to serve the many mills that used to operate along the river Sence, was in danger of collapse and a potential hazard to the many local walkers.
The Sheepy Conservation Group evolved and worked hard to uncover the true history of the bridge and the ford whilst investigating funding options to ensure the bridge was saved. Our first challenge was to discover who owned the bridge, many a wild goose chase until Leicester County Council took ownership. Unfortunately this stopped our very positive work with English Heritage. We were in the process of completing a funding proposal, not only the renovation of the bridge but also support for local footpath renovation, history studies and natural flora & fauna replanting. Although positively received this stopped as English Heritage will only invest in private restoration not local authority buildings.
Then the group hit a major obstacle, the funding was withdrawn but the local authority couldn't afford the renovation. Much lobbying later and several authorities finally agreed to work together and we had agreement to renovate the bridge - however - never plain sailing the first "proposal" was a galvanised steel bridge with hand rails to replace the traditional brick bridge, hardly retaining the local heritage!!
Eventually it was agreed that a skilled stonemason would be contracted anthe bridge restored.
Building started in October 2003 and is now complete, the bridge looks a little naked at present but the advent of spring and the growth of new shrubs will ensure the area is restored to the splendid rural retreat - when the 4 by 4s aren't charging through the ford of course!
We still don't have a clear knowledge of the bridge's history, although there is a wealth of local knowledge no documented evidence on the age was discovered. We had hoped to find that Richard the Lion Heart or Dick Turpin had ridden through at the very least, if you know more please let the group know.
And the vandalism, well the police have agreed to keep a watchful eye on our latest "heritage".
Thanks to the Sheepy Parish Plan for instigating the desire to do and thanks to all involved in the SCG for the hard work and persistence.
If anyone would like more information on saving other local heritage or on the funding process please contact Amanda Eyles, 880835.
Dated 30 December 2003