Aycliffe West Councillors Eddy Adam and Kate Hopper have raised concerns about three of the footbridges that cross Woodham Burn in West Park. These bridges form part of a footpath network enabling residents who live around the park to access local shops, public transport, schools and sports facilities, as well as access to leisure pursuits enjoyed by the wider community available within the park itself.
Following public safety concerns raised by Councillors Adam and Hopper, Durham County Council undertook structural inspections and has placed a temporary closure order on one of the footbridges. Further investigations by the councillors has revealed that all three footbridges have not been part of the Council’s maintenance programme, which is why they are in a poor condition. This unforeseen maintenance expenditure will need to compete with other essential County maintenance projects a time of huge Government cut backs.
Therefore, Council officers are planning to consult with Great Aycliffe Town Council, local residents and their identified support groups to establish whether it is cost effective to maintain and retain all three footbridges.
Cllrs Adam and Hopper are in discussions with the Head of Technical and Neighbourhood services to investigate possible funding sources to try and secure the retention of all three footbridges.
If you believe all three footbridges should be retained, please contact Cllr Adam on eddy.adam@durham.gov.uk or Cllr Hopper on kate.hopper@durham.gov.uk Alternatively, attend your local residents’ association or join the Friends of West Park group – details of meetings are advertised in the Newton News.
Councillors Eddie Adam and Kate Hopper
