Jobson’s Bridge is an attractive timber structure that has spanned Vernatts Drain for at least 70 years.

It has come to the attention of residents that Lincolnshire County Council intends to replace the bridge with a bland, characterless, modern, steel single-span bridge.

The proposed replacement is out of keeping with the rural location, and if it goes ahead will introduce a visually jarring and discordant element, detracting from the character of its surroundings.

The Vernatts Drain is an important element in the wider historic landscape.

As the loss of historic buildings weakens our connection with the places in which we live, so to would the loss of structures such as Jobson’s Bridge diminish the character and identity of our historic waterways.

In anticipation that the highways department will argue the costs of maintaining the existing bridge are prohibitively high, I would say this argument ignores much of what the word “value” actually signifies.

Measured in economic terms a new bridge may represent better value for money in the long-term, but in the context of how the existing bridge contributes to a distinct sense of place and history its value cannot be described financially.

As a resident and fisherman I choose to visit Jobson’s Bridge because its fabric, appearance and history add immeasurably to my enjoyment of fishing on the drain, and I cannot accept that a cheap and soulless replacement will make so positive a contribution to the environment to outweigh the loss of all these elements.

If it is replaced my reasons for using this stretch of water will be greatly reduced, and I am sure many others feel the same way.

At the very least, I would request the bridge be granted a stay of execution and meaningful public consultation be carried out to gauge the level of support that exists for its repair and retention.

CHRIS CREW

Pennygate

Spalding