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Though there was a brief respite, the farcical dilemma looms once again. The temporary armistice over Haven Bridge is nearing its expiration, with no enduring resolution in sight between the two feuding factions.
Norfolk County Council (NCC), the owner of the crossing, and Peel Ports, the entity tasked with managing the bridge, remain entangled in a deadlock over its operational responsibilities.
Neither party has made any strides toward a long-term agreement, yet the clock is ticking as the temporary accord is set to expire in just three months.
The origins of this dispute stretch back to April, when Peel Ports refused to open the bridge, citing safety concerns for their staff. This decision followed an incident in February when unruly individuals, amid a malfunction that left the bridge inoperable for hours, created chaos by climbing over barriers and harassing staff. A particularly intoxicated individual even attempted to direct traffic.
NCC, however, insists that Peel Ports is legally obligated to operate the bridge, given its role in managing the Great Yarmouth port.
The stalemate has left boaters stranded and unable to access the Norfolk Broads via Yarmouth. Many were completely stuck, as the alternative route, through the lock at Oulton Broad, proved unsuitable for numerous vessels. The marine businesses that rely on navigating the Yare River have borne the brunt, suffering significant financial losses.
A six-month reprieve was brokered in July, with Kay Mason-Billig, NCC's leader, pledging that the council would contribute to the bridge's operational costs while the parties pursued a long-term resolution.
Mason-Billig reassured local enterprises at the time, stating: "We want businesses to know NCC has intervened to ensure the bridge will open and be available for use."
Yet three months later, both sides report no progress in resolving the dispute. A representative for NCC confirmed that "discussions are ongoing, but no substantial developments have occurred," while Peel Ports echoed the sentiment, remarking that "nothing has materially changed."
This deadlock continues to fuel unease among the members of the Broads Authority, who worry that the difficulties faced by boaters could soon reemerge.
At a recent gathering, Alan Goodchild expressed concerns, acknowledging that despite renewed discussions between NCC, Peel Ports, and other involved parties, the situation remains "far from favourable." His own enterprise, Goodchild Marine, has felt the strain of this prolonged conflict.
John Packman, CEO of the Broads Authority, disclosed that the organisation had written to Peel Ports, urging the company to fulfil its duty to operate the bridge, but no response has been forthcoming. He lamented, "This conflict is exceedingly detrimental to both commercial enterprises and private boaters."
The possibility of the blockade returning has sparked anxiety among those navigating the Broads. The bridge, a century-old river crossing, was out of commission for five years following a catastrophic failure in 2019, leaving its future uncertain.
Goodchild Marine, stationed along the River Waveney, has reportedly incurred losses totalling around £2 million due to the bridge's closure. The only alternative route to the sea, via Mutford Lock at Oulton Broad, is inadequate for many vessels.
James Fraser, managing director of Norfolk Yacht Agency, also expressed grave concern. "If the bridge halts again, it would be disastrous. We enjoyed a summer of uninterrupted openings, and it’s disheartening to think that this long-standing issue may return."
Fraser believes that the Broads’ infrastructure, especially its bridges, has suffered from years of underinvestment, discouraging visitors from neighbouring countries and ports from venturing into the area.