POLICE have confirmed they will not be taking action over the Bidford Bridge crash as scaffolding is placed around the medieval structure for repair works.

A large crop sprayer slammed into the side of the scheduled monument on June 9 closing the road to vehicles for about six months and seriously damaging the stone parapet, spandrel wall and central pier.

Recently, an investigation was launched to establish the circumstances behind the crash.

Sergeant Bob Shaw, from Alcester South Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “It has been decided that no further action will be taken.

"It was a damage only road traffic collision, with no injuries, where the parties involved exchanged their details. The vehicle was under the weight limit and no other road or traffic offences have taken place in regards to the incident.

"There will be no further police involvement in this matter."

Highways delivery partner for Warwickshire County Council Balfour Beatty Living Places and the Avon Navigation Trust have been on site since the bridge was damaged.

More stone had to be pushed into the water as the impact had left a whole section of the wall so unstable that it was unsafe to remove by hand.

The stone was recovered from the water by the Avon Navigation Trust’s specialist teams and is  being dried and sorted for re-use.

As much of the original stone as possible must be used to rebuild the structure.

Now, scaffolding has been placed around the bridge, designed not to impact on the ancient monument by clamping round the piers and cut-water rather than fixing back into the face of the bridge.

Stonemasons from Croft Building and Conservation will start to 'tool-out' the stone faced elevations in order to rebuild the cut-water using a combination of sandstone and blue lias.

Much like a jigsaw, historic photographs and drawings are being used to rebuild the pattern where possible.

Hidden reinforcement detail is also being planned to stitch and tie the stonework in place subject to approval from Historic England.

Ward councillor for Bidford Mike Brain said: "As well as playing a vital role in the movement of traffic in and around Bidford, the bridge is an integral part of the history of Bidford.

"We will work to make sure it is returned to its former glory as soon as possible."

The closure of the bridge on Honeybourne Road has forced drivers to take detours but pedestrians and cyclists are still able to cross.