Is it okay that these pads are bridged?

[xgabrielx]

I'm replacing an FFC connector in a video camera and these two pads (center frame) developed a short that just won't go away. It looks for all the world to me, like it doesn't matter, and those pads are connected in the circuit anyways. But, I don't see how a permanent bridge could even happen unless there is copper under there and all that happened was the enamel got flaked off.
 Everything tells me it's fine to continue. But I thought I'd check, cus you never know when you're missing something. That's why you missed it!

[Ranayna]

Are you talking about the two, somewhat mishandled, pads on the top row, number 6 and 7 from the right, not counting the single square pad?

These look connected to me. They look like they are both connected to the same copper pour below the pads.

[xgabrielx]

Yeah... Those. And yeah. They look connected to me, too. But working on this scale is new to me, so best to check. I'm used to bulky valve amps. I'll give it a rip. There are components under the board that are way too close though, so I'm going to have to heat from above. I guess I'll do one side at a time and use heat tape to protect the connector as well as I can. I wouldn't worry, but the "low melt" solder paste I have, isn't great, Strictly EBAY redistributor of bulk goods from China. Buying a new board is cheaper than any repair shop quoted me, so I lose nothing by trying, and gain nothing by not trying. I just wish everything was bigger!