Two sightseers caused a stir at Willington Bridge on Thursday morning, verbally abusing council workers while demanding access to a frozen nature reserve.
The incident unfolded as authorities worked to reopen the bridge after icy conditions and a gas leak forced its closure earlier in the day.
The individuals, who had travelled some distance to the area, insisted on entering the frozen flood waters despite warnings about the dangers beneath.
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Police on the scene intervened and reminded the public of the hazards associated with iced-over waters, reiterating a firm stance against such behaviour following similar incidents last year.
Despite the disruption, the bridge reopened at 12:30 pm after a collaborative effort between Derbyshire Police, Derbyshire County Council, and Willington Parish Council.
The closure, prompted by sub-zero temperatures, left roads and pedestrian embankments treacherously frozen. A gas leak near Bargate Lane also added to the delays, requiring emergency repairs by Cadent engineers.
Council workers gritted the bridge multiple times, while officers and parish council chair John physically broke up ice at key junctions to expedite the reopening.
In another development, a suspicious van near the Repton end of the closure was stopped by Officer Thompson. The vehicle, found without insurance or a valid MOT, was seized, and the motorist has been reported for traffic offences.
Police commended local residents for their patience and cooperation during the closure and issued a warning to parents to keep children away from dangerous frozen waters. With temperatures expected to drop again tonight, drivers and pedestrians were urged to take extra care.
The reopening of Willington Bridge marks the end of two days of disruption, highlighting both the resilience of local teams and the ongoing challenges of winter weather.
What the police said about Willington Bridge opening
A police spokesperson said: “After a considerable amount of proactive partnership working between the police, county council and a local parish council, Willington Bridge reopened just over an hour ago (12:30 hours on Thursday 9 January 2025).
“An early morning sub-zero safety inspection of the bridge revealed that frozen road surfaces and a pedestrian embankment required urgent attention.
“A gas leak was also discovered near Bargate Lane, which was dealt with by Cadent. Highways arranged for the road to be gritted several times because of the frozen surfaces.
“And determined to get the road reopened efficiently and as quickly as possible, officers and a local parish councillor, (pictured), helped break up the ice at road junctions. Police are now reminding parents, following inappropriate conduct last year, that anyone allowing their children to go on the remaining dangerous iced, deep waters will be dealt with because of the hazards beneath.
“During this time it was disappointing to see council workers being abused by two sightseers who had travelled some distance to the location to demand to be permitted into the frozen flood waters because they wanted to access wildlife at a nature reserve.
“Moments before Willington Bridge reopened, eagle-eyed Officer Thompson spotted a suspicious vehicle. Our officer, who had attended the location to help safely reopen the bridge and causeway, sighted the vehicle at the Repton end of the closure.
“It was clear the vehicle did not have valid insurance or MOT. As a result, the van was seized, and loaded onto a recovery vehicle – and the motorist has now been reported for traffic offences.
“With temperatures predicted to fall again this evening, drivers and pedestrians are reminded to take care when making journeys in the local area.
“Finally, a huge thanks to Matt, Sam and Steve at Derbyshire County Council Highways Team; Chair of Willington Parish Council, John; and local officers for working so hard over the last two days to get the bridge reopened.
“And it goes without saying, police are very grateful to local residents for their patience, understanding and kindness throughout the closure.”
