Decades-old footbridge is slated for demolition
CONSULTATION IS LAUNCHED ON LINK THAT COUNCIL SAYS IS LITTLE USED
A CONSULTATION has been launched on plans to demolish a North Shields footbridge.
North Tyneside Council will soon seek public views on the removal of the public right of way provided by Borough Road Bridge.
The bridge, which links Tennyson Terrace and Waldo Street, has been a landmark in the town for more than 80 years.
The North Tyneside Public Transport Users Group campaigned to prevent any demolition in December 2018, holding demonstrations against the plans.
But the council says the bridge isn’t well used and is approaching the end of its serviceable life unless significant maintenance work is undertaken.
Due to the higher number of people crossing at ground level, in August 2019 a parallel crossing was installed on Borough Road, near the junction with Waldo Street.
In February, the council got planning permission for the bridge’s demolition but it must also make an order – under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – for the removal of the public footpath over the bridge.
It has begun consultation with statutory bodies about this and, in the next few weeks, will advertise the order and invite comments from members of the public.
When public consultation is under way, notices will be displayed on either side of the bridge, in the press and on the council’s website giving 28 days for representations to be made. In the event of the local authority receiving an objection that is not subsequently withdrawn, the matter will be referred to the Secretary of State, who will make the decision on whether or not to confirm the order. Phil Scott, North Tyneside Council’s head of housing, environment and leisure, said: “The use of Borough Road Bridge has greatly declined over the years and significant council investment would be needed to repair and maintain it. “However, I know that some were opposed to our planning application for demolition. “That’s why I want to highlight the fact we are now seeking to formally extinguish the public right of way over the bridge.
“In the coming weeks, as part of this legal process, there will be an opportunity for people to give their views on the proposal.”
It’s been estimated that it would cost around £360,000 to restore Borough Road Bridge to an acceptable condition and significant maintenance work would still be required at least every 10 years.
Subject to the stopping-up order being made, the council intends to begin demolition in late 2020 or early 2021.
Use of the bridge has greatly declined over the years and significant investment would be needed in it
Phil Scott