Dear Sir,
Back in October 2020, just before the 2nd Lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak, three AFWC (Aycliffe Fell Walking Club) members were enjoying a socially-distanced walk out together, when a small wooden footbridge, covered in unseen ice, led to one of the three falling badly and sustaining a severely injured and bloodied knee, leaving the walker with extensive bruising and a painful limp for the next 8 weeks.
The bridge sits across a small stream at Lyar Dene near Rowley on the A68 south of Castleside. Fortunately, amongst the group of three was Mr Andrew Jakob, current Chairman of AFWC. Following the mishap, Andy wasted no time in reporting the hazardous state of the bridge to Aycliffe Councillor Mr Eddy Adam, who promised immediate action.
Move forward to Wednesday 17th March this year and two of the three walkers were walking in the same area again and, on approaching the same footbridge, could see that the hoped-for remedial work had been carried out. In fact, every inch of the wooden bridge has now been covered in wire mesh. The result is a bridge that walkers can use with confidence, without fear of slipping and possible injury! The previously injured walker is so impressed with the work. A first-class job had been carried out and the result is truly excellent!
Well done and thank you to Eddy Adam and Aycliffe District Council for taking the report seriously and for reacting so promptly and professionally in addressing the issue!
Alan Holmes (The injured walker!)
