A COUNCILLOR is campaigning to have a historic bridge rebuilt after it was swept away in fast-flowing waters.

The old cart bridge, in Hurworth - which dates back to 1840 - partly crumbled away two weeks ago.

The footpath which runs over the bridge has been closed temporarily.

Peter Foster, borough councillor for Hurworth, is pressing for the bridge to be restored to its former glory. He claims he reported a large log stuck under the tunnel months ago, which he feared would build up a natural dam.

He said: "I reported it to the council and even offered to go down there with a chainsaw and get rid of the log.

"But I was advised not to for insurance reasons and no one ever came to remove it.

"What happened was that the log created a dam effect, and things were building up behind it, which created too much pressure for the bridge to hold.

"I do blame the council for it because they knew there was a problem.

"I did approach them about rebuilding it but they seemed to be concerned about finding the money.

"But the bridge is important for local people - parents and grandparents take the children down to fish for tiddlers and it's a popular walking spot."

Mr Foster said the bridge played an important part in Hurworth's history, being used to carry supplies into the village to cater for stagecoach travellers who would stay overnight on their journey from Scotland to London