Dangerous bridge to be dismantled

A CRANE will be used to dismantle a railway footbridge closed off to the public because of serious safety defects.

- By STUART ARNOLD

The footbridge at South Bank Railway Station, which is the responsibility of Redcar and Cleveland Council, was put out of action in October last year after an inspection by engineers.

Planning documents lodged with the council show a determination is being sought as to whether the demolition works require 'prior approval'. The application by the council states they will be carried out by Network Rail and its contractors with a temporary footbridge due to be erected until a redevelopment of the station takes place and a permanent solution found.

It said: “Due to inspections and structural assessment by an external consultant for Redcar and Cleveland Council, the footbridge has been found to have significant defects and be unsafe for continued use. The footbridge needs to be demolished to remove the remaining risk to the railway.