Bloxham Village Community News Item

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Dr Hyde's Bridge 

Great concern was expressed at a recent History Club Committee meeting about the above. The small copse in which the bridge is situated (on the South Newington Road just past the Esso garage) had been radically cut back and the copse decimated, apparently without the owner's consent. On further enquiries, it has transpired that builders (who were negotiating the purchase of the land) had just gone in and almost destroyed it. Besides the destruction of the flora and fauna in this copse, the Committee felt grave concern that the bridge could also disappear. The bridge was built for Dr Hyde to cross over two lines of the railway track to enable him to continue with his favourite "paddock walk". 

This bridge is only one of very few private footbridges left. The bridge, although in a sad state of disrepair, is part of the village history and our heritage. Some people have expressed an interest and willingness to be involved in preserving this unique bridge for the village and if anyone has any comments or is interested please contact David Godfrey, Chairman Bloxham Village History Club: 01295 720037.

Update:

The appeal to be able to develop the land by the bridge was dismissed by the Inspector after hearing representations from the developers and the Council
David Godfrey, Chairman History Club.

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