Cusop Parish Council has been awarded a grant of £2,500 to improve the stone “clapper bridge” across Nantyglasdwr Brook, thanks to Herefordshire Council’s Public Rights of Way Fund.
The grant is intended to make the crossing safer and easier, but without destroying this dingle’s unique atmosphere.
The crossing marks the intersection of the CU20 and CU21 paths, and is well used.
The large clapper stone – first lifted from the brook bed into its current position 50 years ago – will be moved a few yards upstream to sit on robust but unintrusive supports, in the process creating a level unfloddable crossing useable wet weather, and in high water. The stone bridge, as it will become, will have a simple handrail to minimise the risk of slips. Steps, also with a handrail, will be provided as walkers access the bridge from the slope to Black Lion Field/Dinglefield.
This solution is substantially cheaper than a modern bridge, and answers the concerns of many who, whilst they wanted the crossing improved, cherished the existing, very much not twenty-first century solution.
The bid was supported by County Councillor Philip Price and by the county’s public rights of way team, to whom the Council expresses its thanks.
Parish Lengthsman Joel Durrell will work with Nantyglasdwr Farm to complete the job before winter weather makes it impossible.
Pictured below: Parish Council chairman Nick Blayney viewing an indication of the high water mark.
