Council actively seeking external funding to replace dangerous bridge

CASH-STRAPPED Warrington Borough Council says it is actively seeking external funding to help replace a dangerous bridge at Blackbrook following complaints from local residents.

The footbridge next to Mill Close across Blackbrook brook has been in a dangerous condition since last year and is now in a state of total collapse after it got vandalised just before Christmas, says local campaigner Wendy Johnson-Taylor.
Wendy said, “After much effort, our ward councillors finally managed to get this bridge secured (again) a few months ago.
“I inspected this bridge only a few days ago and it is now in a state of total collapse and poses a real threat of putting anyone who tries to cross it in danger – it is a health and safety concern and should be addressed immediately.
“I really fear that there is no funding to repair this bridge so it will be left to rot… funding or no funding, this needs to be sorted and not ignored. Our council has a duty of care, and this is negligence”
Geoff Settle, former Poulton North councillor, said “The footbridge is a popular shortcut that links the One Stop Shop to Peel Hall Park with its popular children’s playground and lovely nature walks. It provides access to a safe crossing point across the busy Blackbrook Ave.
“Cinnamon Brow residents’ association has championed several campaigns in recent years. One has been the implementation of 30 mph road signs on Blackbrook Ave working with the local police. The police do regular speed checks and publish the results. Residents had complained that had become like a racetrack at times and the results backed this up, prosecutions have followed.
“On Saturday, I noticed a new smiley speed sign on the approach to the Mill House Pub where two cars recently collided at the round a bout. This is also where one of the longer alternative routes now takes residents to a place where they can cross the busy road, but it is less as safe than the direct bridge route. Residents need to be very alert when crossing the avenue at this place.
Another resident, Kay Grecian, said: “A recent reply to my email was that it’s too expensive to repair at the cost of £80,000 when they have the funds, but not at the moment, it should be a priority!”
Geoff continued, “Currently, the area is like living on a building site with the Countryside Peel Hall development underway and the first phase of the Houghton Green development finishing.
The heavy trucks will once more increase when they start heading to and from two more new builds. One is phase two Houghton Green behind the Plough Pub whilst the second will be at Cabb Lane, University Campus – they are both expected to be heard by the planning committee very soon.
Wendy said, “The bridge got vandalised just before Christmas. Kids were still managing to cross it and mess about with it. I could see sharp bits of metal that could injure them and I complained over a year ago to Cllr Friend but got nowhere.
“I eventually contacted Cllr Una Gilham, who got the safety barriers secured. The problem is there’s no money to sort this out; currently, the bridge is in a state of collapse. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Cllr Gilham thanked residents for sharing photos and update, she wrote “I will contact the council officers again to properly secure and to give a definitive response to what will be happening with the bridge. Let’s hope with all our join efforts we can get a successive outcome with the bridge.”

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We fully recognise the impact the closure of the Mill Close footpath bridge is having on the local community, and the decision to close the bridge was not taken lightly. However, it remains the only safe option at this time.
“Inspections have confirmed that the timber structure has significantly deteriorated and a full replacement bridge is now required. The site presents additional technical challenges, as the bridge structure incorporates two high voltage electricity cables, which adds significant complexity to any repair or replacement work.
“Replacing the bridge at this location has been identified as a priority. We are actively looking at all options to secure the necessary external funding to deliver a replacement scheme and we will provide an update to the local community in due course.”