MOTORISTS using the A361 between Trowbridge and Devizes could face months of disruption after yet another crash damaged the 265-year-old bridge over Semington Brook at Seend.

The woman driver of a silver BMW damaged the Grade 2 listed Baldham Bridge after a collision with a white VW Golf being driven by a man at 8.30am on Tuesday.

The accident badly damaged the parapet of the bridge, which was built in 1752, after the BMW went over the top of the low wall, sending the coping stones into the water.

Wiltshire Council, which owns the bridge, has put in a small cordon around the wall and has installed two-way traffic lights which will affect the flow of passing vehicles, possibly for several months.

The last time the bridge was damaged 15 months ago, it took several months to organise repairs by a specialist stonework contractor and the work cost £25,000.

A council spokesman said: “The bridge has only recently re-opened after being hit by a lorry 15 months ago. Following the latest accident, we have installed two-way traffic lights while we assess and repair the damage.

“There are no structural issues but because it is Grade 2 listed we will have to use the existing stones, which means those that fell into the brook will have to be recovered.

“Following the previous damage, we improved the signage and road markings on the approaches to the bridge, and we will await the report from Wiltshire Police before considering if any additional measures are appropriate.

“We cannot give a timescale or cost for the repairs at this bridge due to its listed status.

“Although we are unable to comment on this particular incident, we would remind people to always drive to the conditions and the road layout.”

Tony Murch, chairman of Seend Parish Council, said: “We may need to look at that particular site again as this is not the first time there has been an accident there.”

Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses following the accident, which partly blocked the Trowbridge Road for four hours until 12.30pm while they investigated the incident and the vehicle was safely removed.

If you witnessed the accident and can help with the police with their enquiries, please contact PC547 Tom Wilson at Devizes on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.