Erewash canal bridge approved despite access worries

Councillors were told refusing the plan could see funding for the project slip away

A Derbyshire council’s plans for a bridge over a canal have been approved despite criticism over how suitable it would be for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.

At an Erewash Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, councillors approved the authority’s plans for a bridge for cyclists and pedestrians over the Erewash Canal in Bennett Street, Long Eaton.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the scheme formed part of nearly £6m of the council’s £24.8m Town Deal Fund, which the council received in 2021 and must spend by March 2026.

Stuart Allan, a town deal board member on behalf of St Laurence's Church, said the bridge designs were “not fit for purpose”.

He said the bridge was too steep and narrow, and said health and safety issues were “falling on deaf ears”.

A planning agent speaking on behalf of the applicants, the council itself, said it had ensured all the needs of people who might use the route had been met.

He said the bridge was compliant with Department for Transport advice.

It would be accessed through the under-development housing estate at the former Britannia Mills.

Bridge 'substandard'

Councillor Curtis Howard, lead member for planning and regeneration, said the scheme would provide a “major benefit” for Long Eaton.

He said: “The current distance from the Derby Road and Bennett Street bridges over the canal is more than a mile. This would cut that in half.

“Further delays to the project would put it in peril of overrunning the funding deadline 18 months away.”

Councillor Ann Mills said: “This is a substandard piece of infrastructure if you are a wheelchair user or have mobility issues. We should reject it and hopefully it will be improved.”

In June, the council approved another bridge over the canal, linking Broad Street to West Park, via a curving, modern sail-like structure with a waterside terrace and places to launch kayaks and host food and drink vendors.