Residents fight to save 'key' footbridge in city

The footbridge stretches over the A36 in Salisbury and could be demolished in 2028

Residents say their community will be divided in two if a footbridge over a major road is demolished.

The crossing over the A36 connects the bottom of Wordsworth Road with the top of Wyndham Road in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Paul Russell, who has lived in the city his entire life, said the loss of the bridge could be "massively detrimental" and it was a "key route between two communities".

Chris Hilldrup, of National Highways (NH), said "safety was always" their priority and the height of the two bridges makes them "vulnerable to strikes by tall vehicles".

"Along with their deteriorating condition, we have taken the decision to demolish them before they become a hazard," he added.

Concerns over the proposals to demolish the footbridge, which come amid plans to tear down and replace another bridge at nearby Victoria Road, were voiced in a meeting on Wednesday in Salisbury's Guildhall, attended by 200 people.

There were huge crowds in a meeting about the bridge's future

Points raised included fears over pollution, with suggestions people may choose to drive instead of walk due to the footbridge closure, and safety concerns over an alternative route proposed across Estcourt Road and the St Marks Underpass.

Sharon Rideout, a Salisbury City councillor, said: "I've watched countless families crossing that bridge, day in and day out, to access the education of their children in a safe and healthy way - and I don't want to see that gone."

The footbridge is used by some Salisbury families on their walk to school

Ms Rideout added she had "hope" the bridge, built in the seventies, could be saved. Plans to demolish it are currently scheduled for 2028.

National Highways said there are plans to replace the bridge at Victoria Road, but said the Wyndham Road footbridge will not be rebuilt, as there is not space to build access ramps to an accessible standard for people who use pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Mr Hilldrup said NH recognised "the potential impact this will have on the local community" and were "carefully scrutinising the proposals" to provide "a clear understanding of any improvements needed to ensure the alternative route is safe for all users".