MOTORISTS might be in for a shock when they cross the Whitney-on-Wye toll bridge for Hallowe'en, with a local charity taking over the crossing in full fancy dress next weekend.
The 200-year-old shortcut between Hereford and Hay-on-Wye is one of only eight private toll bridges left in the UK, and is rumoured to have its own bridge troll, ‘Walter’.
And on Saturday Walter will have some company with a team of Hallowe'en characters from Hope Support Services guarding the bridge to raise money for their charity – which supports young people whose family members are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
“We are really pleased that the Bridge owners Maggie Taylor and Grahame Penny have offered us this brilliant opportunity,” said SammyJay Powell, Hope’s Youth Development Officer.
“As well as their fundraising on the day, the team will also get to keep the money raised from the tolls – this will all go to supporting other young people going through a family health crisis.
“There will be lots of things going on, so fingers crossed it should be a great day where we can raise lots of money!”
The spooky group will have hot drinks to hand out, as well as ‘Hope Hotdogs’ for hungry motorists, using sausages made by Hope’s young at Richard Bufton Butchers of Kington.
The volunteers will be on the bridge from 10am to 5pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here