Residents call for 'eyesore' bridge to be reopened

Campaigners say the bridge is vital for many people

The owner of a bridge described as an "eyesore" has been urged to repair and reopen it.

Titanic Bridge in Lincoln, which connects Stamp End and Waterside South, has been closed for safety reasons since March last year.

Roger Smith and Melanie Bliss, who live near the bridge, said it was a lifeline for many people, connecting the residential areas to the north with businesses to the south.

The BBC has contacted owner London & Scottish Property Investment Management for comment.

The bridge has been closed for safety reasons since March 2024

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the closure has left residents facing a 20-minute detour on foot, with not all the roads suitable for walkers.

Mr Smith said: "It isn't a big deal for motorists, but having it reopened would be really crucial for pedestrians and cyclists."

Ms Bliss said many pedestrians used it to get to work or to go shopping.

"There is another pedestrian bridge, but the steps are very steep and it's definitely not suitable for many people," she said.

"Sadly, the Titanic Bridge is a bit of an eyesore at the moment, and would look really lovely if it was repainted and reopened."

Mr Smith said they had tried to contact the owner for an update but added: "There's a lot of mystery surrounding it."

Temporary fencing was placed across the bridge last year, which Mr Smith said was frequently ignored, and permanent gates were added later.

A new sign warning of a "health and safety risk" has appeared recently.

A public meeting is being held to discuss the bridge's future on Monday at 18:00 BST at the Monks Road Methodist Church.

A bridge was first built over the River Witham there in 1912, and was replaced with the current bridge in the 1990s.

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