Footbridge to be demolished despite petition

The bridge had initially been scheduled for demolition in August

A bridge is set to be demolished despite being granted a temporary reprieve following a backlash from protesters.

Work to demolish Leazes Footbridge in Durham is set to resume, Durham County Council said, although it did not specify when this would occur.

The bridge had been due to be knocked down in August, but it was paused following a petition from campaigners which gained more than 700 signatures.

The local authority said it was satisfied its response to the petition was "appropriate", however campaigners said they would continue to fight on.

The council said it would provide more updates on the demolition and linked road and footpath closures shortly.

'Safe route'

Debbie Hills, who led the Save Leazes Footbridge petition, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the main complaint against the demolition was that the crossing replacing the bridge would be unsafe.

Leazes Footbridge, which crosses the A690 at Gilesgate, was closed in 2023 on health and safety grounds.

John Shuttleworth, an Independent group councillor, previously said: "We have considered all options carefully and believe that the demolition of the footbridge and creation of a crossing at existing traffic lights a short distance away is the best solution."

He added it would provide "a safe and accessible route across the A690" and offer the "best value for money".

Ms Hills said campaigners expected an "application to the court before demolition can progress further, at which objections will be heard".

She added: "Residents have no intention of stopping campaigning to save Leazes Footbridge."