Saturday, 1st October, 1853
To the Editor of the Northampton Mercury
Sir,
On Monday evening week, about nine o’clock, as Messrs. George and John Robinson, who had been on a visit to their brother at Irthlingborough were returning home in a gig over Ditchford Bridge, the horse shy’d and fell over the side into the meadow below, a depth of five feet. The two gentlemen were thrown out and the gig broken. Being moonlight, they with much difficulty were enabled to reach home. It is extraordinary that this bridge should be left in such a dangerous and disgusting state, more especially as it has been the subject of such general and continued complaint by all inhabitants of the neighbourhood. It was most fortunate that Messrs. Robinson were not killed or seriously injured. It is to be hoped that the proper authorities will, without delay, be induced to make the bridge a passage of safety. I do not know whose business it is to do so, but should any serious accident occur surely someone will be found responsible for such wilful neglect.
I remain, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
W.C.