One could be forgiven for thinking that the extensive coverage given to the fiasco surrounding Hammersmith Bridge is typical of a capital-centric press blowing a local issue out of all proportion – it was disclosed this week that the west London structure, which has been closed to motor traffic since April 2019 after cracks were discovered in its pedestals, might never reopen to vehicles. But the reason the debacle has garnered so much attention, and attracted so much interest on social media, is that it is held by many to be symptomatic of this country’s troubled predicament and seemingly intractable problems.

It’s typical of a Britain which is broke and in which nothing seems to work anymore

It’s typical of a Britain which is broke and in which nothing seems to work anymore

The fact that Hammersmith & Fulham Council can’t muster the funds to repair this impressive and graceful Grade II Victorian building is seen as typical of a Britain which is broke and in which nothing seems to work anymore, and everything seems to be in a state of collapse or disrepair. Further downstream, Albert Bridge has been affected by similar periodic closures. In February, it too was indefinitely shut to motor vehicles. Continuing east along the Thames, the Houses of Parliament are in an even more critical state of decay.

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