The National Trust is set to reveal its first designs for a controversial new bridge in Stiffkey almost two years after removing a crossing over the village's marshes. 

In March 2021, the trust removed a historic wooden footbridge which had been used to cross the marshes for more than half a century. 

Villagers have been calling for the trust to rebuild the bridge ever since. 

North Norfolk News: The wooden footbridge in Stifkey removed by the National Trust in March 2021The wooden footbridge in Stifkey removed by the National Trust in March 2021 (Image: Martin Sizeland)

Now, they will get a first look at the trust's initial designs for a new bridge at a drop-in session at Morston Village Hall. 

It will take place on Thursday, January 25, between 2pm and 6.30pm. 

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The trust has said the initial designs will be worked up into detailed plans ahead of both its planning application and Marine Management Organisation license submissions.

The charity aims to apply for planning permission for a 20-metre bridge by this spring.

It hopes to begin rebuilding the bridge in September, which should be complete by the end of autumn.

The build could cost up to £250,000.

North Norfolk News: The wooden footbridge in Stifkey removed by the National Trust in March 2021The wooden footbridge in Stifkey removed by the National Trust in March 2021 (Image: Justin Minns)

But after almost two years, Stiffkey residents say their wait for a new bridge has gone on far too long. 

So much so that last year two makeshift bridges appeared across the marshes, which locals claimed were built by fairies. 

The first 'fairy bridge' was removed by the trust, but the second remains in the place of the old wooden footbridge. 

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North Norfolk News: Ian Curtis, a Stiffkey local who has been campaigning for a new bridge, on the second 'fairy bridge', which still stands Ian Curtis, a Stiffkey local who has been campaigning for a new bridge, on the second 'fairy bridge', which still stands (Image: Denise Bradley)

However, the villagers now say the trust has "no choice" but to rebuild the bridge after Norfolk County Council began the process of making the route over the marshes a public right of way.

Subject to a statutory consultation, the designated public footpath will be approximately 644 metres, with the council saying there is “sufficient evidence of frequent public use of the route over a relevant 20-year period from March 2002 to March 2022, at which time the bridge was removed".