Not sure C&RT have taken us seriously

 It all began with a knock on our boat. A gentleman walking his dog asked if we knew the phone number of the Canal and River Trust as he had some concerns about the state of bridge 82. He was not from these parts but was camping in Gullivers caravan park at Newlands in Milton Keynes and seemed to think that the bridge was in an imminent state of collapse. A large crack ran along the south side which he thought had had some repair work done to it previously. We assured him that we would give C&RT a ring and he went on his way. Before deciding to make the call we walked to the bridge to see for ourselves. This is what we found.

As we often moor by this bridge and cant say that we have ever noticed a crack as bad as this in the brickwork, we must assume it is fairly recent occurrence. Ian got onto the phone and told C&RT about the state of the bridge. He told them it would be wise to send out a structural engineer to view the situation. He came off the phone and said that was a complete waste of time. They didn't seem at all concerned and said someone would be out to view when they had time. Now I believe that this bridge is unsafe. It may not fall down for several years but then again it could come down tomorrow if a vehicle went over it. It is not a road bridge but the park rangers regularly check on the grounds, clearing rubbish, mowing grass, pruning the hedges etc and although I have not seen any sign of them coming over the bridge, I have seen quad bikes and motor bikes using it as a short cut. Lets hope it doesn't take a death to get C&RT's backsides in gear!

And finally:- still from Wales