Vital bridge used by 100s in our beauty-spot town is set to be DEMOLISHED – diversion is hazardous but no one listens
THE removal of a vital bridge being used by hundreds of people a day would mean navigating an “extremely hazardous” bend, residents say.
Despite plans to demolish the bridge being abandoned four years ago following a public outcry, it has once again been put on the chopping block.
The narrow footbridge in Brockenhurst, Hampshire has existed for over 100 years.
Around 3,500 people live in Brockenhurst, and the New Forest village is popular with tourists.
The bridge leads to Black Knowl, a well-used walking area, and is used by around 100 people a day.
However, Forestry England, the public body, responsible for managing forests in England, has deemed the bridge unsafe.
It also claimed it would cost £45,000 to replace.
The alternative route is a four-minute walk away, but locals say it is “extremely hazardous”.
This is because it includes walking on a stretch of road shared with cars, making it “an accident waiting to happen”.
Previously, villagers such as Chris and Bernadette Daniels, faught to save the bridge
They said its removal would result in pedestrians, including those with children or dogs, having to negotiate a sharp bend.
They told the Daily Echo: “The bend is already extremely hazardous due to the amount of traffic and the excessive speed of vehicles.
“Budgetary pressures on entities such as Forestry England are fully recognised and the need to reduce costs understood. However, the bridge is fundamentally sound.
“The cost of the work required to meet safety requirements is trivial compared to the implications of pedestrians having to use Meerut Road at such a dangerous location.”
Removing the bridge would result in the loss of an important local asset, the couple added.
They continued: “The bridge is used daily throughout the year by local people and visitors to the area, including walkers, dog walkers, and runners.
“It’s on the footpath route to Black Knowl and is constantly used by people at Holland’s Wood campsite, which is managed by Forestry England.
“Records show a crossing has existed at this location for 100 years.”
Fellow campaigners include Hannah Foster and her husband Robin. Mrs Foster said: “We’re very concerned about the removal of the footbridge.
“It would mean we have to access the Forest via Meerut Road – it’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Her husband said the crossing was probably used by at least 100 people a day.
However, Forestry England maintain the bridge is “not fit for purpose”.
A spokesperson said: “The bridge has been inspected and maintained over the years by Hampshire county council, and we’re actively talking to them about its future.
“It’s not fit for purpose and doesn’t meet current safety standards for people or livestock. Rebuilding the bridge to a suitable standard would cost around £45,000, which is unsustainable.”
Meanwhile the council claim the bridge is not situated within Hampshire County Council, therefore its fate is out of their hands.
A Hampshire county council spokesperson said: “Martin’s Road footbridge is situated within Forestry England land and not in a recorded Hampshire County Council public right of way.
“Decisions regarding the footbridge rest with Forestry England.”