VILLAGERS have been left shell-shocked after plans for a long-awaited bridge were sunk by pearl-bearing freshwater mussels.
The existing single track bridge is considered unsafe and locals are desperate for a replacement.
But environmentalists say the work in Wark, Northumberland, would disturb the precious breeding grounds and have asked Northumberland County Council to investigate alternative options for rebuilding the bridge.
A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: "Freshwater pearl mussels are an endangered and protected species and a survey showed a large number living in the river."
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