An inquiry into plans to demolish a historic footbridge in North Shields continued into a third day with a visit to the site.
The inquiry, which began earlier this week, is examining North Tyneside Council's request to remove a public right of way on the bridge, connecting Tennyson Terrace and Waldo Street.
The local authority's plans to demolish the bridge and remove the right of way have generated objections from residents and several organisations, including Disabled People Against The Cuts, and now the local Green Party.
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The inquiry, headed by Government inspector Mrs Sue Arnott, heard from Penny Remfry, a Green Party representative.
Ms Remfry, from Whitley Bay, said, the removal of the bridge would take away an important asset from two small communities and would contradict the council's commitments to encourage active lifestyles and reduce its carbon footprint.
Ms Remfry said: "These policies include the climate emergency 2019 and its subsequent revision in 2021, the North Tyneside Council transport strategy, 'On The Move', and the health and wellbeing policy, 'Equally Well: A Healthier Fairer Future for North Tyneside.'
"An important aspect of all these policies is the council's commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 to net zero by reducing traffic on its roads, encouraging active travel, and creating the infrastructure to allow this. The North Tyneside Green Party rejects the removal of the bridge because it is contrary to its policies.
"It will, I maintain, discourage the use of the direct pedestrian route from North Shields centre to the west end of the town, in spite of the housing developments on Smith's Dock. It will reduce pedestrian infrastructure in the borough."
Mr Piers Riley-Smith, a barrister retained by North Tyneside Council, argued however, that not spending money on the bridge would allow the council to continue with its 'masterplan', which aims to improve pedestrianisation in the area and also help with its carbon neutral target for 2030.
As agreed in the previous meeting, Mrs Arnott pushed an objector, John Hastie, in a wheelchair to witness the conditions in and around Waldo Street and Tennyson Terrace. Some objectors have argued the gradients are too steep for people with mobility issues, and the removal of the bridge could be detrimental to those with mobility problems.
The inquiry has been adjourned and will resume online on February 2, 2023.
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