Horndon Bridge – a footpath and bridleway linking the village of Horndon on the Hill with Stanford-le-Hope – has been renamed in tribute to The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Today (Wednesday 1 June) the Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden, was joined by the Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and External Affairs, Cllr Mark Coxshall, to cut the ribbon and unveil the name plaques of the officially renamed Platinum Jubilee Bridge.
Members of walking group Thurrock Ramblers and the Essex Bridleway Association, with some 4-legged friends, also attended the unveiling.
Cllr Halden said: "In one of my first official roles as the new Mayor of Thurrock, I'm delighted to pay tribute to Her Majesty and celebrate her 70 years of loyal service by cutting this ribbon to declare that the Horndon Bridge has been officially renamed Platinum Jubilee Bridge.
"The A13 is a major economic artery for the whole region, underscoring again the vital place that is Thurrock and our ability to rival London's square mile. It is fitting that such a significant bridge is named after the most significant Head of State in the world."
The Platinum Jubilee Bridge is one of 4 new bridges that formed part of the A13 widening project. It is an important public footpath and bridleway for residents and other walkers and horse riders (equestrians) travelling between Horndon on the Hill from Horndon Road and the A1013 Stanford Road in Stanford-le-Hope.
Julia Wilson, Essex Bridleway Association Chairperson, said: "We are overjoyed that Thurrock Council has worked collaboratively to improve public rights of way to connect off-road access in this area. This bridge is a vital link for local equestrians."
Brian Hatcher, Chair of Thurrock Ramblers, said: "Thurrock Ramblers are pleased to be part of the renaming of the Horndon Bridge. This bridge is part of the footpath network dating back to before Medieval times. Routes were established to connect villages, churches and markets.
"This bridge is an important link now for commuters, students, walkers and to maintaining friendship links. At the end of June, the bridge will be busy with visitors to the Feast and Fayre in Horndon on the Hill."
Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and External Affairs, said: "The A13 corridor is a vital part of the transport network in Thurrock and the south Essex area, enabling the economy to grow through expanding businesses, new housing and more jobs."
Further celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are being held across Thurrock from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. On Thursday 2 June, community groups have organised beacon lightings in Bulphan, Coalhouse Fort Park, Fobbing, Langdon Hills Country Park and Purfleet-on-Thames, while English Heritage will light a beacon at Tilbury Fort. For details of beacon lighting events, go to thurrock.gov.uk/platinumjubilee or platinumjubilee.gov.uk
You can also get more information about Thurrock Ramblers and other ramblers groups from the Ramblers website. Find out about bridleways in Essex at the Essex Bridleways Association website.
Photo below: Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden (right), joined by Leader of Thurrock Council Cllr Rob Gledhill, unveiling a name plaque of the newly renamed Platinum Jubilee Bridge.
