Footbridge demolition paused after campaign

Leazes Footbridge in Durham was set to be demolished this month

Plans to demolish a footbridge have been paused after campaigners secured hundreds of signatures.

Leazes Footbridge in Durham was closed in 2023 on health and safety grounds and demolition was planned for this month.

Durham County Council said multiple surveys determined it could no longer bear the weight of pedestrians and cyclists, but campaigners argue the council's judgement is wrong.

The Save Leazes Footbridge petition was signed by 700 people, forcing the authority to review its response.

Previously planned road and footpath closures throughout August will also be paused, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Expert advice'

City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy said the council had "seen sense" by pausing the works and thanked campaigners for their work.

She added: "I'll be with you as we fight to get it reversed in full."

Campaigners say repairs would cost about £1m and is the significantly cheaper option for the bridge, with the ability to extend its life for at least another 20 years.

But supporters of demolition said investigations revealed the bridge was beyond economical repair and did not meet modern accessibility standards.

Last week John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for highways and rural communities, said: "All decisions relating to the closure and demolition of Leazes Footbridge have been based on expert engineering and financial advice."

A pedestrian crossing has been installed at the existing traffic lights on Gilesgate Roundabout, however concerns have also been raised about the safety of people crossing the busy city centre road.

The council said the new crossing would provide a safe and accessible route across the A690.