Replacement footbridge U-turn branded unacceptable

The A5036 divides two residential areas in Bootle

A decision by National Highways (NH) not to build a replacement footbridge over a busy main road on Merseyside has been described as "unacceptable".

Sefton Council claimed NH had not consulted people in Bootle before announcing it would no longer build a bridge over the A5036 at the junction of Dunnings Bridge Road and Park Lane.

Council leader Marion Atkinson called on NH "to reverse the decision and provide a replacement bridge in line with the needs and wishes of the local community".

The BBC has asked government-owned NH - which operates, maintains and improves England's motorways and major A roads - for comment about its intention to instead install a pedestrian crossing.

'Hugely frustrating'

The decision has also been criticised by Bootle MP Peter Dowd, who said children were "frightened to death to walk across the road, even with their parents".

Atkinson said NH had originally made a commitment to councillors and the local community to replace the original bridge, which did not meet accessibility requirements.

The old bridge, which connected two residential areas, was demolished after it was damaged in a crash in 2022.

Atkinson said: "Our position hasn't changed since our statement in 2023, when we made it clear the bridge should be replaced, so it is hugely frustrating that National Highways are continuing with their plans to put in a crossing instead.

"They have not engaged with us and more importantly, they have failed to consult the local community – the very people who will be most affected by this decision.

"They simply told us they had changed their mind."

In October, an NH spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service its updated plans were "the best overall solution against key considerations of safety and affordability".