Chained protester stops footbridge demolition

Mike James chained himself to the bridge as demolition work was due to begin

A 75-year-old man has chained himself to a "much loved" footbridge in the New Forest during a protest against its planned removal.

The bridge crosses a small stream on Martins Road, Brockenhurst, and is used by walkers and livestock to access open forest land outside the village.

Forestry England (FE), which manages public access to the forest, had planned to remove the 70-year-old bridge, saying its condition was "deteriorating".

Local resident Mike James attached himself to the structure, leading the planned demolition being held up "in the interest of safety".

Machinery was brought to the site to remove the bridge

Metal barriers were put in place earlier this week and the bridge's handrail was removed.

About a dozen people gathered at Martins Road in Brockenhurst when contractors arrived with a bulldozer to remove the bridge on Wednesday morning.

However, work was halted when Mr James attached himself to the structure with a steel cord and padlock.

Speaking earlier this week, he said: "There was no consultation at all and the residents are really very angry about it.

"I've been using it 26 years - no-one's ever fallen off, as far as I'm aware."

He removed himself from the bridge when the contractors left for the day.

Forestry England said repairing the bridge was "not feasible" because of the impact on the habitat

Residents said the alternative crossing recommended by Forestry England is on a busy road with no pavement or street lighting and thick brambles makes it unsuitable and unsafe.

Hannah Foster said her six-year-old daughter was now worried about walking along the road.

"My daughter and I walked the new supposedly safe route on Sunday and the cars came so close to us," she said.

"In the dark, in winter, where are people going to walk? It's an accident waiting to happen."

Villagers gathered to protest when contractors arrived to remove the bridge

FE said work had been "paused in interest of safety while someone is on the bridge".

It previously explained: "We appreciate that this footbridge is a much-loved feature of the local landscape.

"However, its design and structure no longer meet modern safety standards, and recent assessments by civil engineers show that it's deteriorating further."

It said it had addressed concerns about the alternative bridge by cutting back vegetation to create a "clear view to see along the road".

It maintained the bridge could not be replaced or upgraded because of environmental protections on the area.