13/02/2026
⭐ SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERNT FROM US TODAY, PLEASE READ ⭐
⭐ This is a copy of the letter we have sent to the MP (for Wokingham) Clive Jones and Swallowfield Councillor Cather Glover following the incident at Swallowfield Bridge - I urge you all to write to local and national Government regarding the incident and the effect it is having on our local community following the wanton vandalism of a cherished 18th century listed structure that serves our great community'. ⭐
Dear Clive, Catherine,
I am writing to you as a local business owner to express my deep dismay and frustration following the recent destruction of Swallowfield Bridge and the significant impact this incident will have on the wider community and local economy.
The loss of this historic 18th-century listed structure is deeply upsetting in itself, but the wider consequences for residents and small businesses are already becoming clear. Diversions, increased journey times and reduced accessibility will inevitably disrupt trade, customer access, staff travel and day-to-day operations for many local enterprises including schools and nurseries.
This comes at a particularly difficult time. Recent economic data details tepid growth and that service-sector businesses such as mine, are experiencing little to no growth. Small and medium-sized enterprises are already operating in a challenging environment, and incidents caused by apparent negligence and disregard only place further strain on fragile local economies. It raises a serious question: when will SMEs receive the protection and support they need to operate and grow with confidence?
I am particularly concerned by reports that the driver of the 30-tonne, three-axle lorry had been warned by a member of the public before proceeding through the village, ultimately causing the severe damage and then fleeing the scene before being stopped by police. If these reports are accurate, this represents a shocking level of carelessness and disregard - not only for a protected historic structure, but for the wider community that depend on it.
I sincerely hope that a full criminal investigation is underway and that, where responsibility is established, the strongest possible sanctions and penalties are applied to both the driver and the operating company. There must be clear accountability and a strong message that such behaviour - and the consequences it creates for communities and local businesses - will not be tolerated.
More broadly, this incident reflects a worrying erosion of responsibility and respect in society that we see today. At a time when public confidence is fragile and communities face ongoing economic pressure such as a cost-of-living crisis; there is an opportunity for a leadership that will bring people together rather than relying on division or blame. Events such as this should be a catalyst for collective action - standing up for local communities, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that those whose actions cause significant public harm are held properly to account. This is something the current and previous Governments have failed to do.
I would urge you to:
Advocate for a thorough investigation and appropriate enforcement action.
Seek support measures to mitigate the economic impact on affected local businesses.
Champion the importance of protecting community infrastructure and heritage assets.
Use your platform to reinforce accountability, responsibility, and respect as core values within our society.
Our communities and small businesses need visible support and strong representation. I hope you will stand up for local residents and enterprises and I certainly hope the consequences of this incident are taken seriously.
I would welcome any update you are able to provide on the actions being taken.
