Helen Bickerdike

[Queensbury Tunnel @QburyTunnel]

Once again, in driving its destructive agenda, @NationalHways has sought to scupper the rehabilitation of Queensbury Tunnel for social, economic and tourism benefit by putting forward an excessive refurbishment cost of £26.4M - about double that of a proportionate repair.

[Queensbury Tunnel @QburyTunnel]

The feasibility tunnel into the Queensbury Tunnel Greenway finds that the proposal would deliver £3 in social, economic and tourism benefits for every £1 invested. That's high value for money. It would be even higher if @NationalHways had not provided an excessive repair cost.

[Queensbury Tunnel @QburyTunnel]

Tonight's @BBCLookNorth features a piece from @spencerstokestv on the feasibility study into Queensbury Tunnel's reopening.
The findings are positive and demonstrate the structure's value; the response of @bradfordmdc leaves much to be desired.
Lots to say in due course.

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

The possible demolition of #BranksomeEastViaduct by @BCPCouncil has prompted much comment.
We now understand that the structure forms part of a designated ecological network and the community aspires to revive it through plans for a nature/heritage park.
So, asset or liability?

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

It's not often you're recognised by a bus driver who insists on shaking your hand!

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

When our campaign started, @NationalHways intended to infill or demolish 134 structures.
But what's happened to them since?
#GreatMusgraveBridge was earmarked for a heritage line extension. Infilled as an emergency, the concrete has since gone and it now has a capacity of 137t!

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

When our campaign started, @NationalHways intended to infill or demolish 134 structures.
But what's happened to them since?
Wildlife uses #TilekilnsBridge and it's a vital connector for the landowner. Not confirmed, but we understand the attractive structure is to be refurbished.

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

When our campaign started, @NationalHways intended to infill or demolish 134 structures.
But what's happened to them since?
#GateleyBridge crosses the proposed Norfolk Orbital Railway, but NH wanted to infill it. The installation of width restrictors has allowed a reprieve.

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

When our campaign started, @NationalHways intended to infill or demolish 134 structures.
But what's happened to them since?
#HorspathBridge carries a wildlife corridor, but was threatened with demolition. Following a community protest, the valued structure has been refurbished.

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

When our campaign started, @NationalHways intended to infill or demolish 134 structures.
But what's happened to them since?
In Cornwall, #GoshenBridge - which has potential for a future active scheme - has had its superstructure refurbished and repainted.
Nice job too!

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

When our campaign started, @NationalHways intended to infill or demolish 134 structures.
But what's happened to them since?
Great community effort resulted in the much-valued #BarcombeBridge being transferred to @esccroads who intend to refurbish it sympathetically.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

Note to self: when designing logos, colour selection is important.

[Forgotten Relics @FgottenRelics]

Mierystock Tunnel opened 150 years ago, thanks to the efforts of contractor J E Billups.
68 years after closure, it remains in fine fettle and presents the opportunity of a safe route under the busy A4136 for users of the Forest of Dean's cycle network.
Time to make it happen.

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

It says a great deal when locals make comments like this about projects @NationalHways is eulogising about.
#WheatleyViaduct

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

The future of Dorset's #BarrowlandLaneBridge looks bleak after Toller Porcorum Parish Council supported @NationalHways' recommendation to demolish it, allowing reprofiling of the road for flood alleviation purposes.
So, NH's long-held wish to be rid of it could soon be realised.

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

We're toying with producing a podcast, reflecting on the past three years' campaigning and where we are now.
If you have any questions about the infilling/demolition of legacy railway structures, please post them in the comments or email us at [email protected]

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

A great demonstration of what determined, evidence-based campaigning can achieve...

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

We now know the truth.
#ConghamBridge was in Fair condition, with no safety issues. @NationalHways infilled it due to perceived long-term cost savings. Its heritage and future potential did not matter.
NH contrived a distorted reality.
Here's the story...
https://t.co/2wlaEzROg6

[The HRE Group @theHREgroup]

One thing we know from this campaign is that formal systems don't always recognise what's right and just in the same way 'normal people' do.
The #ConghamBridge appeal outcome does not alter the fact that @NationalHways acted unlawfully, destructively and misrepresented evidence.

[Graeme Bickerdike @GraemBickerdike]

The inquiry has been valuable in absolutely confirming what was already clear to us: that @NationalHways' statements (eg “Decisions we made at this site were driven first and foremost by safety”) often misalign with reality.
There remain legitimate concerns about trustworthiness.