The pedestrian bridge that crosses the Monnow at Osbaston is closing from today, (Friday Sept 13) for “urgent repairs”.

The MOD bridge, the only one of its kind still open to the public, will be shut to walkers and cyclists following a structural assessment by an MOD engineer.

A Monmouthshire County Council notice says that the path is closed temporarily because of a likelihood of danger to the public

It seems that the bridge has deteriorated significantly and fencing and signage will warn pedestrians of the closure.

The MCC notice adds that anyone contravening the notice will be “committing an offence”.

The Inglis bridge carries Footpath 131, and access has been limited to pedestrians since vehicle traffic was blocked in 2018.

The bridge was constructed in 1931 by the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, replacing an old footbridge with a dark past

In 1910, a woman was strangled to death on the crossing when it was just the old footbridge. The man was sentenced to death but reprieved due to his mental condition.

Victor Jones was convicted of the murder of Violet Lilian Pick 20 near Cemetery Lodge and when the police found him at the gateway to the racecourse near to Vauxhall Bridge Road he said, 'It is me, I have murdered the girl because I love her'.  He then asked when the next Assizes were and said that he would be glad when he was out of it, making a sign with his hand to his neck.

He was an engine-driver and Violet Pick was a school teacher.

In November 1909 he met Violet at a dance and they became attached to one another and corresponded. However, around Christmas, Violet Pick got engaged to a soldier.

It was stated that Victor Jones knew of that arrangement but that it apparently didn't disturb him or interfere with their friendly relations.

Then, on 22 February 1910, after they had walked out together and spent the evening on affectionate terms and were about to part for the night Victor Jones suddenly seized the handkerchief that Violet Pick wore around her neck and strangled her.

He gave himself up to the police.