I visited the red footbridge between Newton Poppleford and Harpford earlier today with local resident and parish footpath warden Ted Swan to discuss the bridge and the significant erosion occurring along the riverbank.
Devon County Council is proposing to replace the Red Bridge with a new bridge for walkers, horse riders, and cyclists, and relocate it. They are in ongoing talks with landowners on the proposed footpath that would be needed.
There’s a lot of work required to protect the current path connecting the villages and keep the area safe for walkers. I have been on the case with Devon County Council over the past year and I'm contacting the Environment Agency and landowners to try to resolve this issue.
In the meantime please do take care along the riverbank if using the footpath.