In this alternative reality a decision to build a new bridge would no doubt be denounced as a ‘white elephant’. The £30m figure quoted would be an example of the gross profligacy of local government when the ’existing bridge could have been repaired for a mere £4.4m‘.
This would have been followed by laments for the old bridge, an ‘elegant example of Victorian engineering’ and ‘important part of Ovingham’s history’. The article would be seconded by letters from concerned residents who fear that the new bridge would increase traffic/disfigure the village/threaten the greenbelt etc.
The decision to repair the existing bridge may turn out to be a ‘costly mistake’; there again it may not.
What is certain though is that regardless of what decision was taken, the bridge and its renewal would result in endless complaining.
JAMES BRYAN,
Ovingham
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