Derby City Council has issued a fresh warning after people climbed safety fences and attempted to cross Darley Abbey Mills Bridge, despite repeated warnings about the danger.
The council said several individuals put themselves and others at risk over the weekend by forcing access to the fenced-off site. One person became trapped on the gates and had to be rescued.
The bridge remains closed and is described as structurally compromised, with the council warning that any attempt to cross it could trigger a catastrophic collapse and pose a severe risk to life.
Demolition contractors Cawarden are now on site today, Monday 8 June, to begin preparatory work to remove Walters Walkway and demolish the original bridge. Teams are also working on ways to temporarily stabilise the structures while the work takes place.
The council has again urged people not to force their way onto the bridge, bypass safety fencing, enter the site, or go into the water near the bridge or the weir.
The latest warning follows an earlier appeal issued on 3 June, when members of the public were told to stay away from Darley Abbey Mills Bridge after the condition of the structure deteriorated significantly.
Derby City Council said the risk of collapse had increased and that the bridge could pose a severe danger to anyone on it or in the water around it. A collapse could also threaten nearby infrastructure, including Walters Walkway, the weir and local utilities.
As a result, 24-hour security has been stationed on the village, or west, side of the bridge to deter trespassers and protect public safety. Temporary lighting has also been installed to help security teams monitor the area.
The council said the worsening condition of the bridge means it will use emergency powers under the Building Act 1984 to take direct action to dismantle the structure and remove the danger.
Removing Walters Walkway and dismantling Mills Bridge is described as a highly complex operation. The council said it is working with partners to speed up the project, but there are significant logistical challenges, including finding enough space and a suitable hard foundation for a crane.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said the closure was frustrating but necessary because the bridge was in a “critical and dangerous state”.
She said: “We cannot stress enough how important it is that people stay away. It is deeply concerning that some are still forcing access to the site.
“The site remains closed and dangerous.
“Our focus right now is protecting the community and the local infrastructure. We are using emergency powers and 24/7 security for one reason: to keep people safe.
“Please do not take unnecessary risks, stay clear of the site, do not force access to the bridge under any circumstances, and do not go in the water in the vicinity of the bridge or the weir.”
The council said its priority is to protect residents and local infrastructure while work is carried out to deal with the immediate danger.
