Closed footbridge could be replaced with a new one

Bedford Borough Council said decay and rot was uncovered in the timber arches after an intrusive investigation in August

A footbridge that has been closed due to structural defects could be replaced with a new one.

Queen's Park Bridge in Kempston, which spans the River Great Ouse, closed in August after Bedford Borough Council deemed the arch that supports it was "unsafe".

At an executive meeting on Wednesday, independent councillor Nicola Gribble, the portfolio holder for environment, said repair was not an option, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

She told councillors that the bridge had "reached the end of its useful life" and a business case for a new bridge was being prepared, with the aim of starting work early in 2026.

She was responding to a question by Labour councillor Mohammed Masud who asked for clarity on the timeline for replacing the bridge.

Councillor Sarah Gribble said closing the bridge "was an essential decision based on the unexpected structural defects found"

The council previously said that a detailed inspection on 21 August revealed significant and unexpected decay and rot in the timber arches supporting the central span.

The authority said there was a risk of partial collapse and it took the decision to close the bridge to ensure public safety.

Pritti Saggi, 47, who lives in Kempston, said the bridge was a vital link and "its closure is isolating communities on both sides of the river."

She said it was "used daily by people travelling to work, school, doctors' surgeries, places of worship, and local shops".

Gribble said: "We are committed to finding the best long-term solution. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we work swiftly to restore safe access."