A review has exposed that Oxfordshire County Council is failing to manage bridges adequately, as closures and structural issues continue to affect the area.
An internal review of the council’s 2025/26 operations uncovered deficiencies across all risk categories in how the authority oversees its bridges, with a persistent delay in carrying out necessary inspections highlighted.
On May 15, the Cottesmore footbridge was shut without warning due to structural safety worries, prompting the local MP Anneliese Dodds and multiple councillors to step in.
Concerns have been raised about how the sudden shutdown was communicated and the absence of any schedule for when the bridge might reopen.
Dame Dodds expressed that safety must be the priority, yet stated that local residents in both communities have received no information about the situation. She noted that the county council appears to have made minimal effort to keep people informed. She added that there seems to be neither a plan nor any commitment to resolve the matter for those living in Rose Hill and Littlemore. She described the diversion route as substantial and a significant challenge, especially for older and disabled residents.
City councillor Ed Turner noted that while the bridge clearly needed closing if unsafe, the fact that it went from apparently safe to shut within a day despite questions raised just months earlier raised serious concerns. He stated that communication regarding this matter had been extremely poor, and that he had received no contact whatsoever from Oxfordshire County Council. He emphasised the need for an immediate guarantee that the bridge would be reopened or a replacement provided at the earliest opportunity.
Rebekah Fletcher, the cabinet member responsible for transport management at the county council, stated that while she recognised how well-used the footbridge was and its importance to the communities of Rose Hill and Littlemore, public safety had to remain the absolute priority and would never be compromised. She said the decision to close the bridge had not been made hastily, but was the only course of action available under the circumstances.
Structural concerns are not limited to this incident. Donnington Bridge continues to be inaccessible to buses while a contractor appointed by the council examines whether strengthening or complete replacement might be required. A council spokesperson indicated that the planned course of action hinges on the findings of site investigations and feasibility assessments, with a determination expected later this year.
Under the Highways Act 1980, Oxfordshire County Council bears a legal obligation to maintain highways, including structures such as bridges, in a safe condition for public use.
The audit found shortcomings and inadequate quality control in inspection, maintenance and repair activities, alongside a prolonged backlog in inspections and inconsistent practices for documenting subsequent actions and remediation measures. The report also noted that the situation was further complicated by significant underspending against capital funds designated for the bridge programme.
The audit concluded that the problems identified stem from underlying issues in staffing, operational procedures and oversight structures. In particular, it highlighted insufficient formalised guidance, weak data management practices, and inadequate mechanisms for escalation and performance monitoring.