Repairs to a listed bridge will be stripped away and carried out again after the structure was left in an "appalling" state. 

Swanton Morley Bridge, known locally as Waterfall Bridge, was closed to traffic for 10 days last month while restoration work was carried out. 

The decision to carry out repairs came after the north-west parapet was damaged by a fallen tree.

It meant the B1147 Mill Street - the main road out of the village towards Bawdeswell and Reepham - was shut from October 17-26, resulting in a 15-mile diversion. 

However, following the project's completion, villagers raised concerns over the straightness and general quality of the brickwork.  

And now, admitting the fix was below par, Norfolk County Council (NCC) has confirmed its contractor would perform another rebuild "at the earliest opportunity".

Dereham Times: Roger Atterwill, chairman of Swanton Morley Parish CouncilRoger Atterwill, chairman of Swanton Morley Parish Council (Image: Breckland Council)

Roger Atterwill, a district councillor and chairman of Swanton Morley Parish Council, slammed the "poor workmanship" - labelling it as "appalling" and "an abomination".

He said: "I think it's fair to say the repairs that have been carried out are sub-standard. 

"We got in touch with the county council and, to be fair, they have acknowledged it is not acceptable.

"I just hope taxpayers are not footing the next bill."

Dereham Times: Waterfall Bridge in Swanton Morley after repair work was carried outWaterfall Bridge in Swanton Morley after repair work was carried out (Image: Roger Atterwill)

Despite NCC's willingness to put things right, residents will have to wait a while for the next round of repairs. 

Due to the required use of lime mortar on the Grade II-listed bridge, the work cannot take place during the colder, winter months. 

A spokesman for NCC said there would be no additional cost to the council, and therefore the taxpayer. 

Mr Atterwill added: "There will be another road closure in the spring which is very inconvenient.

Dereham Times: Waterfall Bridge in Swanton Morley, near Dereham, after repair work was carried outWaterfall Bridge in Swanton Morley, near Dereham, after repair work was carried out (Image: Roger Atterwill)

"People have got to go a considerable distance out of their way to get to and from Bawdeswell.

"I suspect that, next time, the closure could be for two or three weeks to get the work done."

The NCC spokesman said: "Work to repair this bridge has not been carried out to the standard we expected and the contractor will take remedial action at the earliest opportunity.

"Because of the winter weather work cannot be carried out until the spring. There will be no additional cost to the council."