Shut bridge to be demolished over new safety alert

A "dangerous" bridge which has been closed for years is to be demolished under emergency powers.

Darley Abbey Mills Bridge closed in May 2022 due to safety concerns and a temporary bridge was installed, which itself was shut in December 2025.

Now the city council has said the older bridge's condition has "deteriorated significantly" and it would remove both structures.

But officials admitted the operation to do this was "extremely complicated" and no timeline was currently in place.

Problems with the crossing were originally due to its age but then it was found erosion to the river bank had made the new bridge unsafe.

Work on the site was complicated by the fact the bridge was Crown Estate, rather than council owned.

The authority has now said new issues have emerged, with the old bridge becoming increasingly unstable and a rise in trespassing on the site.

In a statement the council said: "The risk of collapse has significantly increased.

"Should this happen, the bridge would pose a severe risk to life to anyone on it or in the water around it and threatens vital local infrastructure, including Walters Walkway, the weir, and utilities.

"Consequently, 24/7 security will be stationed on the village (west) side of the bridge to ensure public safety and deter trespassers."

The authority confirmed it would now use emergency powers under the Building Act 1984 to remove both crossings.

It highlighted "significant logistical challenges", such as having sufficient space and hard foundation to locate a crane, to the project.

Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: "I know the closure is frustrating, but the bridge is in a critical and dangerous state and we need your support.

"We cannot stress enough how important it is that people stay away. It is deeply concerning that some are still forcing access to the site."

A proposal for a new bridge has been put forward for funding from the East Midlands Combined Authority.

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