ONE of the region’s most striking bridges needs repairs which could cost up to £1m, it has been revealed.

Prebends Bridge, which stretches across the River Wear in the shadow of Durham Cathedral, Durham City, is more than 230 years old and is a scheduled ancient monument.

But the most easterly of its three arches is being affected by water erosion, leading to worried officials advising it be closed to river traffic.

It is also feared the bridge may have to be closed to vehicles.

The Dean and Chapter of Durham Cathedral, which owns the bridge, has asked English Heritage for £190,000 to investigate how bad the problems are. However, restoration could cost up to £1m.

Cathedral architect Christopher Downs said: “It’s one of those things that’s a gradual process, but if we don’t stop it sometime, we’re going to have to close the bridge.

“Part of our difficulty is we are not exactly sure how bad the problem is. That will be part of our investigation – to establish how much strength the bridge still has.”

Prebends Bridge was designed by North-East architect George Nicholson with advice from Robert Mylne, a leading designer of the period.

The bridge is capable of taking traffic, but is usually only used as a footbridge.

It affords wonderful views of Durham Cathedral and is inscribed with a poem by Sir Walter Scott.

Mr Downs said: “It’s one of the most elegant bridges and one of the most historical routes through Durham.

“Many bridges were rebuilt following the great floods of 1771 and Prebends is one of the most dramatic.”

Problems of erosion and saturation were first noticed in the 19th Century and there have been attempts to correct the problem.

About 25 years ago, a steel tunnel was erected over a footpath under the bridge, to protect walkers from falling stone. Recent surveys have suggested water is getting into the structure from underwater springs.

An analysis of how bad the problem has become could begin within a year.

It is expected an appeal will then be launched to raise the funds needed to pay for the restoration, which could take up to three years.

The grey towers of Durham

● The bridge replaced a temporary wooden structure built after an earlier stone bridge from 1697 was washed away in the floods of 1771.

● The new bridge took six years to build and was opened in 1778.

● It is made of sandstone and is of a classical design.

● It has three round arches, each spanning 66ft.

● The balustraded parapet stands 53ft above the River Wear and is 22ft wide.

● The bridge is a scheduled ancient monument.

● The western end of the bridge bears the 1816 Sir Walter Scott poem:
Grey Towers of Durham,
Yet well I love thy mixed
and massive piles,
Half church of God, half
castle ’gainst the Scot,
And long to roam these
venerable aisles,
With records stored of
deeds long since forgot.