Closure is bridge too far, says councillor (From Warrington Guardian)

Closure is bridge too far, says councillor

A CONCERNED Northwich town councillor is pressing for an end to a popular pedestrian route's closure - which is sending about 200 walkers a week out of their way.

Clr Tony Vickers is calling for the reopening of the swing bridge from the Hunt's Lock area into The Crescent and Sir John Deane's College.

The proposal for the bridge - which has been used as a way of getting to and from Sir John Deane's College and Leftwich High School by students over a period of time - was scheduled to be discussed by town councillors at a meeting last night, Tuesday. Clr Vickers said he was 'very concerned' about the closure of the swing bridge by British Waterways North West.

He said: "This bridge is used for access by people to get from one side of town to another. About 200 people a week have used it before now.

"People are now having to walk a long way round and we now have a situation where kids are having to use busy roads.

"The closure is already affecting many people who use it as a thoroughfare.

"This has been an access path for several years and it will affect people who walk and cycle up the side of the river. It is also an access to the new Kingsmead development.

"I understand from information that I have received, that the bridge was condemned more than seven years ago and that there was an agreement to replace it.

"I also understand that it could not be agreed as to whether it should be metal or of wooden structure but that it had to be replaced within five years."

No one from British Waterways North West was available for comment.

jbrakell@guardiangrp.co.uk