New crossing to improve safety at Nuns' Bridges in Thetford

Thetford Town Council hopes its proposals for a new crossing will create a more efficient route between the three Nuns' Bridges, which date back more than 200 years. 

The bridges allow people to cross the rivers Thet and Ouse, but concerns have been raised about the safety of pedestrians who currently have to walk alongside traffic. 

The plans, which will see a new crossing built next to the second of the three bridges, have been warmly received by local people who say improvements are "long overdue". 

One of the Nuns' Bridges in Thetford (Image: Ian Burt)

The Grade II listed Nuns' Bridges are believed to have taken their name from the nearby nunnery at Thetford Priory.

They were the site of a ducking stool in the Middle Ages, where women accused of disorderly conduct were immersed in rivers as punishment. 

The crossings are now used by both vehicles and pedestrians, many of whom say the narrow route is currently "too dangerous".

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One of the bridges pictured in 1965 (Image: Archant Library)

Francesca Robinson, who lives locally, said: "This is a long overdue solution to the problem of pedestrians having to run the gauntlet of traffic on this section of the road.

"There is no pedestrian footway over any of the three bridges and drivers assume that they have precedence over walkers. The new plan is an excellent idea."

Peter Sillet, also from the area, added: "I regularly walk along this route and it can be tricky to get across the bridge.

"It can be difficult for pedestrians, frustrating for drivers and I feel the footbridge will make it a lot safer for everyone."

The new crossing is planned to be built next to the middle bridge (Image: Google Maps)

The proposals for a new bridge will need to be approved by Breckland Council's planning committee before work can begin. 

Terry Land, who represents the town at Breckland Council, said: "This application is very much part of a joined-up view of Thetford overall. 

"As a keen walker I welcome the opportunity to have a safer and less stressful way of moving between the Nuns' Bridges."