Bridge response pleases councillor

A BROMSGROVE councillor who contacted The Standard after being told the unsafe footbridge at the bus station may not be replaced has said he has had a fantastic response from residents wanting to see the walkway reinstated.

Coun Rory Shannon got in touch after residents had complained to him about the bridge over the Spadesbourne Brook which has been closed since November.

He said, when he contacted the authority, he was told that costs for a suitable replacement had been worked out but, because there was another bridge nearby and because of the challenging budget situation, officers were deciding whether or not to reinstate it.

Through the paper, Coun Shannon appealed for residents to contact him with their views on the bridge and, since then, has received letters and e-mails from people angered by the revelation.

He said: “This has been one of the best responses I have had to a campaign.

“Sometimes, if you send out 1,000 letters asking for a response, you only get five back - the response we have had on this has been amazing.

“Although some would say it is just a footbridge, it’s part of the town centre.

“And, although the council has pointed out there is another one neayby and that is shown on the plans, in practice, it is a different story - the footbridge helps with the congestion.

“People have been shocked that the council are considering not spending the money on the bridge.”

And he added, with the response the issue had got, he was confident that something would be done.

Coun Mike Webb, responsible for environmental services, accused Coun Shannon of scaremongering and said: “We are looking at all the options, which includes replacing the bridge.

“We will have some more news soon.”

Coun Shannon is still appealing for residents’ views to show the strength of public feeling. Those wanting to get in touch can e-mail him at r.shannon@bromsgrove.gov.uk, write to him at 114 Scaife Road, Bromsgrove, B60 3SB or drop off letters at our offices, 44 High Street, Bromsgrove.

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