Mystery Stiffkey bridge closed off by National Trust

The bridge across the marshes first appeared on Friday (July 21), with those behind building the creek crossing remaining unknown.

It comes as part of a long-running row between Stiffkey locals and the National Trust, which owns the land, over replacing a bridge that was removed in March last year after being deemed structurally unsafe.

The National Trust sign left at the mystery Stiffkey bridge (Image: Ian Curtis)

The mystery bridge was closed off by the National Trust the day after it was erected, with a sign being left saying: “We do not know who built this bridge and cannot vouch for its construction.

"Please do not cross the channel here for your own safety and do not rely on this crossing as a means of escape from the saltmarsh at high tide”.

The National Trust has said it is working on a project to build a new bridge, which the charity previously said could cost up to £250,000.

READ MORE: Stiffkey residents could have to wait until 2024 for new marsh bridge, says MP

Ian Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner (Image: Ian Curtis)

However, Ian Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner, has accused the National Trust of stalling and wants the bridge built as soon as possible.

“It looks to everybody like nothing’s being done,” he said.

“They’re dragging their heels and making excuses.

“We’re now in the holiday season and it’s only a matter of time until somebody gets stuck out there again.”

In April, calls for the new bridge intensified when two people and their dog had to be rescued by RNLI lifeboat crews after becoming cut off by the tide.

READ MORE: Replacement of 'dangerous’ rotten footbridge to cost over £6,000

The old Stiffkey bridge, removed last year after being deemed structurally unsafe (Image: Justin Minns))

The National Trust has said it has enlisted specialist consultants who will offer support as engineers and surveyors to help design the new bridge. 

Duncan Baker, North Norfolk MP, said: "I will continue to ensure it is built as fast as possible, but all the indications I've had is that we're still looking at spring 2024".

North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker (Image: Newsquest)