Footbridge to be demolished despite petition

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

Work to demolish Leazes Footbridge in Durham is set to resume, Durham County Council said, although it did not say 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 that its response to the petition was "appropriate". The campaigners have been approached for comment.

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

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".

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