Barrow Bridge Road reopens after two years of repairs

Barrow Bridge Road was shut after heavy rainfall damaged a retaining wall in August 2020.

Since then residents in Barrow Bridge have had no main route through the village and the work to repair it was delayed.

But it was reopened this month just before the holiday season got underway.

Read more: Reopening of Barrow Bridge Road delayed

It's re-opening was celebrated with a festive horse ride.

Henry Lisowski (Image: Henry Lisowski)

It opened in time for Higher Tonge Farm’s Christmas ride.

The annual Christmas  fancy dress ride was able to make its way through Barrow Bridge, Moss Bank Park then back to the farm.

This is the first time this year it has crossed into the village.

A spokesman for the farm said: “It’s a lot safer now as all horse riders from the yard can get off the busy main road and enjoy a safer ride.

“We do it at Halloween, Easter and Xmas every year.

“We love how it puts a big smile on the children’s faces as we walk by.

“Whilst the road was closed, we simply just didn’t go as there is nowhere safe enough to go. Especially with Scout Road being a 50mph road.”

Credit: Henry Lisowski (Image: Henry Lisowski)

The road had been closed near a sharp bend on the road close to Dean Brook and Dakins Brook and a footpath known as ‘the 63 steps’.

Cars can now safely use the road but the Christmas day horse ride ruffled some feathers for the farm.

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Credit: Henry Lisowski (Image: Henry Lisowski)

A spokesman for the farm said: “Even on our Christmas day ride Jane Brooks who organises the Christmas ride had an incident in Barrow Bridge.

“A man was irritated in his car as he couldn’t get past the ride. Pipping his horn and swearing at the riders.

“But we are glad to be back after two years of not being able to do it.”

Credit: Margaret Irwin (Image: Margaret Irwin)

The cost of the scheme was estimated by Cllr Stuart Haslam back in March 2021 to be around £110,000, though he admitted at the time that this was likely to increase further.

Pictures of the horse trek by Henry Lisowski and picture of repaired wall by Margaret Irwin