Eight historic bridges across Warwickshire, dating back as far as 14th century, to be repaired

It means that with existing funds already earmarked for the scheme, £6.3m can be spent on carrying out the vital repairs over the next three years.

In announcing the scheme at a June 11 cabinet meeting, the portfolio holder for transport and planning Cllr Jeff Clarke (Con, Nuneaton East) said: “It is quite an exciting time and hopefully it will help save and restore our historic bridges and maintain our highway network.”

The bridges span the county, from Coleshill’s Cole End River Bridge in the north to Honington Bridge near Shipston-on-Stour in the south.

Others are situated in Warwick, Rugby and Stratford with the largest amount going on Baginton Bridge on the outskirts of Coventry where repairs will cost £1.1m.

A report outlining the work to cabinet members explained: “Works to these structures will focus on the significantly deteriorated and damaged stonework of these predominantly multi-span arch structures that date as far back as the 14th Century.

“The condition of Warwickshire’s historic bridge structures, supporting both the main highway network and adjoining roads have steadily declined.

"If the condition of these prestigious landmarks continues to decline in this manner, structural weight restrictions, the use of road closures and costly emergency works will need to be implemented until such time as maintenance and strengthening works can be undertaken.

“If the programme did not proceed it is likely many of the eight structures and more historical structures would require new weight restrictions that will place a limitation on the free movement of freight traffic and therefore have an adverse impact on the local economy.”