The heart of a picturesque Devon village is breaking, severed from its lifeblood by a collapsed footbridge and what residents describe as crippling council inaction. The community of Cockwood, near Exeter, is fighting for its survival after its primary pedestrian link was destroyed over a year ago, isolating residents and starving local businesses of crucial trade.
A Community Cut Off
The vital footbridge connecting Cockwood to the neighbouring village of Starcross was severely damaged by a storm in early 2023. Over 16 months later, the structure remains a tangled wreck of metal and wood, its decay symbolising the fading fortunes of the village itself. The crossing was the safest route for pedestrians and the main access point for tourists and locals visiting Cockwood's shops and hospitality venues.
High Street Casualties Mount
The economic impact has been immediate and devastating. Without footfall from Starcross, local enterprises are withering.
- The Cockwood Deli: A once-bustling hub, the deli has been forced to shutter its doors permanently, a direct casualty of the severed connection.
- The Anchor Inn Pub: Trade has plummeted, with the pub reporting a staggering 80% drop in passing food trade, pushing a cherished local institution to the brink.
- Reduction in Tourism: The area, popular with walkers and cyclists exploring the South West Coast Path, has seen a significant decline in visitors who can no longer cross easily.
Council Inaction Fuels Fury
Frustration is boiling over at the perceived failure of Devon County Council to act with urgency. Despite the bridge being a known asset, the council has yet to finalise a plan or allocate a definitive budget for its repair or replacement. Locals report a cycle of assessments, consultations, and delays, with no visible progress on the ground.
"We feel completely abandoned," one resident was quoted as saying. "They talk about supporting local businesses and communities, but their inaction is destroying ours. Every day of delay is another nail in the coffin for our High Street."
A Fight for the Future
The community is now mobilising, demanding the council treat the situation with the emergency status it warrants. They argue that the broken bridge is more than an infrastructure issue; it's a threat to the village's social fabric and economic viability. The campaign underscores a wider national conversation about the decline of rural services and the accountability of local authorities in maintaining critical infrastructure.
All eyes are now on Devon County Council to see if they will step up to rebuild the bridge and restore the lifeline to this beleaguered village before more businesses are lost for good.
