Residents furious over delays to new footpath

ANGRY complaints have been made to Warrington Borough Council over delays in replacing the Pink Bridge over Woolston Grange Avenue with a footpath.

Longbarn Residents’ Association, representing homeowners on Blackburne Close, have raised questions over delays to the project.

It was due to finish in October, last year.

Chairman Geoff Orange and other officials met with the council at the site on March 31 to discuss when the replacement footpath will be finished.

But two months later the work has yet to be completed.

Mr Orange said: “No contractors have been on site for several weeks now.

“The protecting guards have been discarded by pedestrians who are not using the new unfinished pathway.

“With the guard rail to Woolston Grange Avenue not completed it is easy for young children to get on to and across this busy main road which is very dangerous.

“We have been in touch several times with Warrington Borough Council but have so far been totally ignored.”

The Pink Bridge was knocked down last year.

After consultation with residents, the council decided to replace it with a path linking Blackburne Close with a new pedestrian crossing on Woolston Grange Avenue.

Mr Orange added the Toucan crossing is ‘dangerous’ as it has been installed closed to a traffic island, giving drivers a short time to react.

Cheryl Hoddel, aged 30, lives on Blackburne Close.

She said: “Our major concern is they have not put any fencing up and left our property exposed.

“I have a two-year-old son and I’m concerned that due to burglaries in the area, we are at risk. “I’m also frustrated at the time it’s taking to finish. It’s just ridiculous.”

A council spokesman said “After the works started in October, there were some initial delays with removing the approach ramps to the footbridge due to ground conditions.

“At the beginning of April the contract with the council’s maintenance contractor expired and we had to follow a due process to appoint a new contractor.

“Works are due to start again on site this week, with final landscaping works planned for late autumn, which is the earliest available planting season.

“Throughout the process officers have met with the residents’ association and local residents to update them on the scheme.”