Vandals target ancient Pulborough bridge

An historic bridge in Pulborough - thought to date from the 15th century - has been damaged by vandals.
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Coping stones at Stopham Bridge - a Grade 1 listed building and a Scheduled Monument - have been broken off and dumped in the River Arun.

Police are now appealing for anyone with any information about the incident to come forward.

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According to Historic England one span of the bridge was destroyed during the Civil War and replaced by a drawbridge.

Police are investigating damage to the historic Stopham Bridge at Pulborugh SUS-200617-162029001Police are investigating damage to the historic Stopham Bridge at Pulborugh SUS-200617-162029001
Police are investigating damage to the historic Stopham Bridge at Pulborugh SUS-200617-162029001

And the bridge’s central arch was modified in 1822 which bears that date.

The bridge carried the A283 through the village, with trafficlights installed in 1936.

Later, during the Second World War, the bridge was badly damaged by Army lorries but was later repaired.

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In 1986, Stopham Bridge was replaced by a new reinforced concrete bridge, located 100 feet north of the old bridge, to alleviate damage from vehicles.

Police say that it was damaged by vandals on Saturday evening (June 13) and coping stones were found in the river.

A spokesman said: “The incident was believed to have been deliberate due to the size and weight of the stones.

“It has been recorded as criminal damage and anyone with information can contact Sussex Police online at https://www.sussex.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

or by calling 101, quoting serial 0534 of 15/06.”

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