Shut Anger over sudden closure of 'vital' footbridge

HERE is anger over the sudden closure of a Gloucester foot bridge which is a vital link for dozens of schoolchildren.

- Carmelo GARCIA Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucestershire Highways closed Hempsted Bridge on April 22 after a safety inspection, and residents have been campaigning for the bridge to be resurfaced for more than three years, as they say it is in an "absolutely disgusting state".

Dibs Bucknell, from Hempsted, said: "It is in a pretty appalling state and over three years ago we have been on the case to try and get it repaired.

"On Tuesday, a grandma was pushing her granddaughter along it and nearly catapulted her out into the canal because of the bumps. It is absolutely disgusting with people falling over it."

He said an engineer arrived on Tuesday and closed the bridge shortly after residents raised concerns with the media over its poor state of repair.

"A engineer arrived and closed it," he said. "It's a bit of a coincidence."

He says the bridge is owned by Canal and River Trust but the footway surface belongs to Gloucestershire County Council.