Work progresses on replacing Melton Country Park bridge
Work is progressing on replacing the damaged bridge at Melton Country Park.
The old bridge – known as the Stepping Stones Bridge – was closed back in January 2025 following a storm and the damage was considered so bad that a new structure needed to be installed.
Work started last week and is expected to take up to two months – the the new bridge will have a wider crossing than the previous one, to improve accessibility and cater for park visitors in wheelchairs those with pushchairs.
The foundations will also be strengthened and anti-slip decking installed to allow water to drain more effectively in wet conditions, improving flood resilience, stability and safety for users.
A spokesperson for Melton Borough Council, which manages the park, said: “ The park remains open throughout the works.
"However, there will be no access to the stepping stones during this time.
"There will also be some reduced capacity in the Visitor Centre car park.
“For everyone’s safety, we ask that all visitors follow the safety signage and any instructions from the contractors while in the park.
“Areas that are fenced off form part of the live construction site and are not safe to enter.”
The borough council last year set aside £200,000 for the project with the bridge needing to be fully replaced because simply repairing the structure would not have future-proofed it.
The bridge was insured for £150,000 but the insurers offered only £80,000 towards the repairs.
Aside from the council’s contribution and the insurance pay-out, the money for the bridge will also come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Rural England Prosperity Fund, developer Section 106 money and capital receipts.
There has been local frustration over the time it has taken to replace the bridge – the council say there has been a delay waiting for a permit from the Environment Agency to carry out the work.
The council spokesperson added: “We anticipate this work will take six to eight weeks to complete – meaning the new bridge could be open by the end of summer 2026.
“We apologise for any disruption or additional noise caused whilst we make these important improvements to the park.
“Thank you for your patience. We'll keep you updated as work progresses.”