Continued closure of bridge will leave businesses 'cut off'

EROSION OF THE RIVER BANK FORCED THE TEMPORARY WALKWAY TO BE DEEMED UNSAFE FOR USE

- By OSCAR FISHER

THE dozens of businesses at Darley Abbey Mills are “massively concerned” about being cut off from customers if a key footbridge remains closed over the coming weeks.

The temporary Walter's Walkway footbridge over the River Derwent, which connects pedestrians with the mills, was closed by the city council last week. It was erected to replace a permanent bridge which was closed three years ago for safety reasons.

The authority says it has closed the temporary footbridge due to erosion of the riverbank, which “could be putting the structure at risk”

“Detailed investigations will be carried out with key partners on Monday (December 15), but the bridge will remain closed as a precautionary measure until this has happened and the situation has been reviewed,’ a spokesperson for the council said.

It added: “A further update will be issued on Tuesday. This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, but we believe the safety of people is our priority.”