East Worthing and Shoreham MP, Tim Loughton, has welcomed the new improvements to Shoreham’s footbridge design, which were put forward by West Sussex County Council following a recent consultation.
More than 240 questionnaires were returned during a consultation exercise held in June to gather views on a proposed design for the new bridge, which will replace the existing ageing one on Shoreham High Street.
Pieter Montyn, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“The improved design addresses many of the comments and in particular now includes 1.6 metre high glass panels – or balustrades – supported by stainless steel posts. This is instead of 1.2m high steel balustrades.
“The higher glass balustrades have been incorporated into the design to respond to concerns over wind protection while improving the views for all users, particularly small children and those on mobility vehicles. The glass also addresses personal safety fears by improving the view onto the bridge from the approaches.
“The comments of the local community are very important to us and I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation.”
The County Council has confirmed there will be an initial closure of the bridge for approximately four weeks at the start of the works while the northern part of the bridge is removed adjacent to Coronation Green and a temporary link constructed.
However, the County Council has pledged to keep the crossing open for as much of the works as possible.
Pieter added: “I will be working with the project team to ensure that the crossing is kept open to the local community for as much of the works as is reasonably possible. However, there will be occasions when, in the interests of public safety, the crossing will have to be closed. Alternative transport arrangements will be put in place at these times.”
The new bridge is being funded by the County Council and the charity Sustrans, which received £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007 to provide new walking and cycling routes for everyday journeys in communities across the UK. The new routes will provide links from where people live to employment areas, schools and local shops as well as linking to other walking and cycle routes, including the National Cycle Network.
On hearing the announcement, local MP, Tim Loughton, said:
“After extensive consultation on the design of the new Shoreham footbridge, I am delighted that the County Council has made a number of substantial changes to reflect suggestions from the local community. In particular, the inclusion of glass sides which will greatly enhance the visual impact and view up the Adur Valley. This was something mooted by a number of local people and contrary to some of the cynics who said that the consultation exercise was a sham, the County Council has listened and made some of the proposed changes.”
“I am particularly grateful to the project director Tony Bathmaker, who has gone out of his way to engage with people in Shoreham.”
“At a time of economic austerity, it is a great relief that the County Council has continued to back the project with a significant investment, given the possibility of the whole project being shelved. Shoreham will now have an iconic structure, which will take over from the existing ageing eyesore, as well as a vastly improved link between the town and beach.”
Osborne, the family-owned building contractor, civil engineering and property services firm is constructing the new footbridge on behalf of West Sussex County Council.
A planning application has now been submitted. It is hoped to achieve planning consent in early November. The works should then begin on site early in 2012.