Revealed: Norfolk bridge blockade caused by rowdy public hurling abuse
Operators are refusing to lift a key bridge in Great Yarmouth
The ongoing blockade of the Norfolk Broads – caused by the refusal of operators to lift a key bridge – was triggered by drunks trying to direct traffic during an earlier opening, it can be revealed.
The company responsible for Haven Bridge in Great Yarmouth has finally disclosed the reason it has not opened it since April, much to the fury of boaters and marine industries who rely on being able to navigate through it to get between the Broads and the North Sea.
Peel Ports had previously cited vague ‘health and safety’ reasons for its decision.
However, it has now emerged that it is refusing to open the bridge because of an incident in February when the crossing malfunctioned while opening and frustrated members of the public took matters into their own hands.
While some people – who were said to be intoxicated – tried to direct traffic, others jumped over safety barriers in an attempt to see if they could still cross. Drivers were also reportedly abusive towards bridge staff.
Peel Ports fears a repeat of these chaotic scenes so is refusing to open the bridge at all, even though it has a statutory duty to open it for river traffic.
It is involved in a stand-off with Norfolk County Council, which owns the crossing, demanding that the authority do more to address its health and safety concerns before it opens the crossing again.
The negotiations have failed so far, leaving boaters and businesses high and dry.
One firm says the continued closure of the crossing is costing it thousands of pounds in lost business, while one sailor has been marooned on the Broads for six weeks because his 100ft boat is too large to leave the waterways via the only alternative route, a lock near Lowestoft.
Meanwhile, anger among the boating community is rising. One leading figure said: “They are breaking the law, it is as simple as that. They should face consequences for doing so. They can’t break their statutory obligation just because a few members of the public were abusive.”
Years of frustration
The 94-year-old bridge – which carries a major road into Yarmouth across the Yare – has been beset by problems for years.
A fault in 2019 left it out of action and needing major repairs.
Delays during the pandemic meant these were only completed at the end of last year.
But weeks later, problems began to re-emerge and on February 2 the bridge broke down again, prompting chaotic scenes.
“We saw people jumping the barriers, walking into the road and even had an intoxicated individual directing traffic – all on the same day,” said Richard Goffin, director of Peel Ports, following the incident.
He also claimed staff had been threatened with violence on other occasions.
More than half a dozen incidents were reported over the course of a few days following the initial flashpoint on February 2, according to a spokesman.
“The point is more that they happened rather than the number of them. No one should be threatened at work,” he added.
He said the current situation left staff facing “unacceptable risks”.
But discussions with Norfolk County Council to resolve these concerns have failed.
“NCC is refusing to accept any health and safety obligations,” he added.
NCC has said it has carried out repairs on the bridge following the February incident and it is now fully operational.
Impacts of closure
The bridge blockade is having huge ramifications for Norfolk’s boating community.
The four-year closure has cost one boatbuilding firm, Goodchild Marine, about £2m in lost business and they estimate the current closure is leaving them with thousands of pounds in extra costs.
This is due to having to take lengthy diversions to test their crafts via alternative routes from their site up the river at Burgh Castle.
Alan Goodchild, who runs the business with his wife Sue, said it is “incredibly frustrating” for river users.
“As a company, it is causing massive headaches and it is hugely disruptive” he added.
Potential legal action
Sources within the boating community have said people are preparing for legal action against Peel Ports for failing to fulfil its statutory duty, claiming the firm could be liable for tens of thousands of pounds so far.
Peter Ward, of the Broom Owner’s Club – a group of people who sail sea-faring cruisers built at the Brundall boat yard – has been a vocal critic of the issue.
“They are breaking the law, it is as simple as that,” he said. “They should face consequences for doing so. They can’t break their statutory obligation just because a few members of the public were abusive.”
Members of the Broads Authority are becoming increasingly concerned and have called for a resolution.
A spokeswoman said: “This is having an adverse impact on local companies and private boat owners who cannot transit the port to the sea.
“The Authority urges the two parties to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.”