Tumbling Bay Footbridge: National Trust Says It Is ‘Committed to Finding a Resolution’

Published on: 5 Dec, 2024
Updated on: 8 Dec, 2024

The well-used towpath that crosses Tumbling Bay Weir has been closed since its dramatic collapse in November 2019.

By Martin Giles

Five years after the collapse of the River Wey towpath footbridge over Tumbling Bay Weir, there is still no confirmed plan for its repair. But the National Trust says it is “committed to finding a resolution.”

See also: What Movement Is There on Weir Repair?

The National Trust owns the River Wey Navigations, including the towpath that is on the part of the waterway that is known as the Godalming Navigation, but Guildford Borough Council, had, until at least the late 1980s, maintained the weir and shared the cost of its emergency temporary repair in 2020.

In 2023, talks between the Trust and GBC culminated in the National Trust accepting, it seemed with some reluctance, sole responsibility.

The weir bridge moments after its collapse in 2019.

In a short statement, GBC confirmed they had not formally discussed the matter since February 2023, adding: “All enquiries relating to the Tumbling Bay Weir should be directed to the National Trust.”

As well as a recreational facility, the towpath was a well-used off-road pedestrian and cyclist route into the town centre from the south, linking it to the North Downs Way.

Asked whether any progress had been made towards a repair, a National Trust spokesman said: “In 2019 the National Trust and Guildford Borough Council worked together and split the costs of the temporary weir repairs when it first collapsed.

“A further four years of talks to reach a shared approach for the Millbrook Weir and bridge permanent repairs concluded in late 2023, with the National Trust becoming the sole organisation taking the project forward.

“Ensuring equal access to green space, especially in an urban setting like Guildford, is a fundamental aim of the National Trust and we are committed to finding a resolution for the benefit of the local community.

“Throughout 2024, we commissioned a feasibility study, working with a local specialist engineering firm. Over the drier summer months, they conducted detailed geotechnical and structural investigations. We are now working through the study’s findings using that data to inform design proposals and potential options.

“The results of the feasibility work will help us to form a plan, including the timing of the project, which we expect to be an extended timeframe given various complexities, the consents needed and the significant cost in charitable funds.

“We understand the importance of the riverside walks that the Navigation offers to the community of Guildford, and the role that these areas play for wellbeing, socialising, exercise, leisure and just being out and enjoying nature, which is why, through external funding, we have been resurfacing and strengthening the towpath between the railway bridge opposite Dapdune Wharf to Walnut Bridge.”

A view of the relaid towpath from the town centre towards Ladymead

Cllr Tom Hunt

And speaking as a ward councillor, Tom Hunt (Lib Dem, St Nicolas) said: “I’m pleased that the National Trust has progressed the resolution of the Tumbling Bay bridge, and look forward to further progress in the future.

“Residents of St Nicolas ward (in which the weir is located) are keen to have the bridge restored, affording them and others uninterrupted enjoyment of the towpath.  I continue to offer my support to the National Trust to help them deliver a new bridge over the weir.”

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