Council plans to demolish North Tyneside's iconic Borough Road Footbridge have been scuppered after a government inspector sided with opposing residents and campaigners.
North Tyneside Council claimed, during a public inquiry, the bridge, which connects Waldo Street to Tennyson Terrace, would be too expensive to repair and was used too infrequently to justify the potential costs. Council officers claimed repair works could cost as much as £360,000, as opposed to a £60,000 demolition.
Residents and campaigners countered the council's financial claims and argued demolition would increase car use and disadvantage the elderly or disabled pedestrians.
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Following a three-day-long public inquiry in January this year, planning inspector Sue Arnott came down on the side of residents and campaigners.
Ms Arnott's report stated: "I have found that NTC’s assessment of the utility of the bridge to be based on limited investigation of its actual use. Yet even if the numbers surveyed indicate current use, 100 journeys per day is not low usage for a footpath in my view."
The report continued: "I place significant weight on the representations which have highlighted the disproportional effect closure of this right of way would have on people with disabilities, living with other limitations and with protected characteristics. I consider there to be a very real risk that this proposal would have the potential to discourage such people from exercise and recreation with the consequential effect on their health and well-being."
North Tyneside Public Transport Users Group, who with numerous other groups, campaigned for the survival of the bridge, said: "There has been a footbridge linking both communities in the Riverside Ward, for over 200 years since the main road below was cut through. The footbridge provides a safe and healthy way for both local residents and other visitors to access North Shields town centre away from heavy and polluting traffic.
"The campaign led by North Tyneside Public Transport Users Group (NTPTUG) to save the bridge began five years ago when the decision to demolish the footbridge was announced by North Tyneside Council, who claimed they could no longer afford to maintain the footbridge. Our campaign culminated in a gruelling public enquiry led by the Government's Planning Inspectorate, which
involved six local groups working together and many individuals giving evidence including a retired planning officer.
"We are delighted that our collective efforts have resulted in the bridge and public right of way being saved. The supporting groups were; Living Streets, Friends of the Earth, Residents’ Assoc. Yeoman St, disability group DEPAC and Green Party as well as NTPTUG."
John Sparkes, Director of Regeneration and Economic Development at North Tyneside Council, said: "Following the public inquiry into Borough Road Bridge in January, we have received a copy of The Planning Inspectorate's decision and are currently reviewing this."
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