Community frustrated by two-year bridge closure

Residents described the continued closure as "embarrassing"

Residents felt frustrated after a popular footbridge that was closed nearly two years ago had not reopened.

The Environment Agency shut Temple Footbridge, which crosses the River Thames west of Temple Lock, near Marlow, in May 2023 after inspectors found it was unsafe.

Jason Pike, who runs a Facebook group campaigning to get the bridge reopened, said the closure has made a popular walking trail inaccessible, and locals were not happy.

The Environment Agency said it is exploring design options for the bridge's replacement.

The bridge was closed in May 2023

A spokesperson said: "Temple Bridge has exceeded its design life and is no longer safe to use. "

The agency recognised the bridge "holds significant value for the local community" and said it would "explore all potential design options for its replacement".

"We are aware of the urgency of this matter and are treating it as a priority," they added.

'It's embarrassing'

Mr Pike said the bridge is vital as it is the only point where the river could be crossed while following the Thames Path between Marlow and Hurley, in Berkshire.

"The detour puts you onto a main road, which is quite dangerous for children in my opinion," he explained.

The 45-year-old claimed the bridge is part of a route he has seen used by many locals, including comedian Ricky Gervais and radio presenter Chris Evans.

He said: "It's embarrassing actually, because if people come from different areas around the UK to visit and they can't use it...Then they're having to backtrack to a workaround, which in my opinion, is not convenient or safe."

The Enviorment Agency said Temple Bridge "exceeded its design life and is no longer safe to use"

The Thames Path National Trail, which signed off on the diversion, said the majority of the route utilised pavements and footpaths, and a bus alternative was available.

In a statement, it told the BBC: "While the route is not entirely off-road and we appreciate the challenges this presents, there is no other suitable alternative."

It said it would work with the Environment Agency and others to ensure the bridge is "prioritised and repaired as soon as possible".

The Environment Agency said it has secured £500,000 to progress the project, as well as works at Marsh Lock Horsbridge further up the stream.

The river team met last week and is currently in the process of setting up a contract with a supplier for later this year.