The extraordinary saga over a bridge removed from Stiffkey marshes by the National Trust has taken a new twist, with police called in to investigate the mystery appearance of makeshift replacement crossings.
The organisation has faced strong criticism from locals since demolishing the original structure 18 months ago, claiming it was unsafe. It still cannot say when a replacement will be built.
In recent weeks, two temporary bridges have been installed across the creek, with no-one claiming responsibility for them.
Locals say that 'marsh fairies' are behind the structures, and have welcomed them.
But the bridges have infuriated officials at the National Trust, which owns the marshes, and it has called in police to find those responsible.
They say the fairies - or whoever is behind the crossings - should be investigated for unlicensed building work.
The first of the stopgap structures, which was built last month, was dismantled by National Trust workers within days.
The second 'fairy bridge' appeared on Monday and the Trust says it will also be demolished.
Ian Curtis, a lifelong Stiffkey resident and bridge campaigner, said he was delighted to find the latest structure while walking on the marshes.
Mr Curtis, who says he has contacts in the fairy community, said he could not see them giving up until a permanent bridge was built.
“With camera in hand I rushed down there after the tide had gone out and realised the marsh fairies had not abandoned us after all,” he said.
“It’s easy to upset the fairies and they seem to be back again. From my understanding this is going to continue until there’s a new bridge here in Stiffkey. I can’t see the fairies giving up myself.
“The National Trust are only custodians of the marsh - the locals and the fairies are the real owners. The local people are all behind the fairies.”
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Locals say the lack of a bridge has left people at risk of being cut off on the marsh by rising tides.
The National Trust has promised to build a new crossing but the long wait has frustrated villagers and visitors.
It initially said it had no plans to install a replacement, but performed a U-turn after a local outcry.
It says the new structure will cost around £250,000 and that it has already committed to spending £20,000 in fees and survey work, as it prepares to lodge a planning application.
The Trust has already put up a sign warning people to avoid using the latest makeshift bridge for their own safety.
A spokesman said: “We’re aware that another unauthorised bridge has been built at Stiffkey.
“We’re currently in contact with the Crown Estate who own the creek, and Natural England, who lease the creek from the Crown, regarding our next steps.
"As we recently stated, structures that are deemed dangerous, unlicensed and unconsented will be removed.
“We remain committed to rebuilding the bridge. In the meantime, we once again advise people to avoid using this bridge for their own safety and to not rely on it as a means of escape from the saltmarsh at high tide.”
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Stiffkey Parish Council said although the last temporary bridge "wasn't safe for continued use", both bridges have "demonstrated how quickly a temporary crossing could be erected whilst plans for a permanent replacement are finalised".
A spokesman said: "The National Trust seem to be dragging their heels over the bridge. They haven’t even put in a planning application yet, and they've not given us any meaningful reasons for the continued delay.
"Whatever the costs of the new bridge, surely the chance of someone getting stranded out on the marshes with no crossing to get them to safety is not a price worth paying?
"We should also not forget, the marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), but since the bridge's demise visitors have been tramping all over the place disturbing wildlife and damaging the marsh trying to get to the beach."
Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk, has said “the urgency of getting the bridge rebuilt can’t be overstated".
"As I campaigned for, it is simply dangerous for people to be cut off by rising tides and that is why we must get the bridge back as soon as possible.
"All the indications I’ve had is it is likely to be back in Spring 2024 and I will do all I can to ensure this deadline is kept. We can’t be without it for another season.”
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