THE ancient Tarr Steps footbridge on Exmoor has been repaired after some of its giant stones were washed away in floods earlier this year.

A section in the middle of the footway was pushed out by floodwaters in January when flooding hit parts of West Somerset.

This week, Somerset Council contractors reassembled the stones.

Known as a ‘clapper bridge’, Tarr Steps spans the River Barle.

The 164 feet long structure is made up of slabs of grit stone arranged over stacks of stones without using mortar or cement and is Grade One listed.

It is believed to date to the medieval period but it is thought there could have been a structure on the spot as far back as the Bronze Age.

Damage due to flooding previously happened in 2017, 2016, and 2012.

Council executive member Cllr Mike Rigby said: “Tarr Steps is an iconic monument in Somerset so it was important we carried out the repairs as soon as possible so this route can be enjoyed fully by visitors and local residents. 

“Our engineers have been working closely with Exmoor National Park and the Environment Agency to establish a suitable window of opportunity to get the work done so it does not impact on the natural environment.

“The river is an important spawning ground for wild salmon and trout.”

Contractors have been on site throughout the week using heavy machinery to shift blocks weighing up to two tonnes back into the damaged section.