Repair planned for lights stuck on Ukraine colours

The bridge's lights are stuck on blue and yellow

Derby City Council says it is working to fix an issue that has seen the lights on a prominent stuck displaying the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

The programmable display on the footbridge over the A52 in Chaddesden had been changed to yellow and blue to show support for the nation following Russia's invasion.

But Jerry Pearce, Conservative councillor for Chaddesden East, said locals had complained that the colours had not been varied since.

Carmel Swan, cabinet member for the Labour-run authority, said there had been a "small issue" with the software that programmes the lights but funding was being reallocated to resolve the issue.

Pearce told the BBC the lights on Meadow Lane footbridge had previously been changed for events such as England football matches.

He added that residents had told him they were getting "fed up" with the same lights - not the support for Ukraine - and thought it was time for a change.

'Software issue'

On Facebook, he shared an email sent to him from the council's engineering team assuring him repair work was booked in for the end of October and new colour schemes were planned to reflect holidays and seasons over the coming 12 months, including Christmas and Bonfire Night.

Pearce said: "I think it's fantastic, especially with the suggestions they've come up with."

He added the footbridge - which opened in 2020 - had made "such a difference" to people that live in Chaddesden and work in the Wyvern.

Swan said: "Changes to the colours on the A52 bridge is still the aim. However, we have experienced a small issue with the software that programmes the lights and allows for changes to them.

"To fix the issue, some of the digital control systems need to be changed.

"The council has reallocated some funding to accelerate the work, and we are now waiting for a provider to confirm the availability of the equipment and a timescale for when the issue will be fixed."