THE QUESTION of who owns a bridge over the River Tamar bordering Devon and Cornwall can be revealed, after it appeared that it was not owned by anybody — but 'constantly' being repaired by somebody!

Tavistock resident Mike Chamberlain had decided to write to Devon County Council to ask what expense had been incurred by the repairs to Greystone Bridge, between Tavistock and Launceston, due to large lorries being unable to negotiate it.

'The reply explained it was not owned or repaired by Devon County Council so no expense was incurred,' said Mr Chamberlain.

'I was advised to contact Cornwall Council as they owned and maintained it.

'This I did and duly received a reply identical to the last. No expense had been incurred as Greystone Bridge was owned and maintained by Devon County Council and I should contact them.

'So who owns Greystone Bridge and pays what must be a large bill for the constant work on it?' he added. 'Obviously not the taxpayers of Devon and Cornwall.'

But after enquiries made by the Times, Devon County Council confirmed that the Grade One Listed Greystone Bridge was its responsibility.

A spokesman for the authority said: 'We maintain the bridge and carry out maintenance repairs to the bridge as necessary. 

'Traffic over the bridge is controlled by traffic lights and in March 2008 a scheme was carried out to realign the approach on the Cornwall side. 

'Since doing that work, we've seen a drop in the number of incidents on the bridge. 

'We and English Heritage are continuing to monitor the situation to see whether any further improvements can be made.'

It is believed the confusion arose as Devon has an alternate bridge ownership arrangement with Cornwall regarding bridges along the border.