By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There is anger in Cheltenham over a “temporary” footbridge closure that has so far lasted more than 11 years amid plans to divert a popular public right of way.
Pilley footbridge in Charlton Kings was closed in June 2015 for safety reasons and has been closed since with Gloucestershire County Council repeatedly requesting temporary closure extensions.
A campaign group has been calling on council chiefs to do the necessary work and reopen the public right of way. But residents are frustrated by the lack of progress and they believe the councils are not doing anything to restore use of the footbridge
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) as the highways authority is responsible for maintaining the footpath. But ownership of the footbridge was transferred to the Cheltenham Corporation,
Cheltenham Borough Council’s (CBC) predecessor authority, in 1971.
The ongoing closure means parents who take their children to the Sandy Lane play area currently face a long diversion.
The closure has also created a break in the Gustav Holst Way – a medium distance route from Cranham to Wyck Rissington which goes through places linked to famous Cheltenham-born composer Gustav Holst.
Mike Borrie, a local resident, asked Borough Council this week what steps are being taken to ensure the footbridge and right of way are available to use before the next extension ends in September 2027.
He claimed in his written question that “after 11 years GCC and CBC have done nothing to restore use of the footbridge”.
He also asked in a written question why a full refurbishment of the complete footbridge structure was the only repair option being investigated when replacement of the rotten wooden footway planks alone with new recycled plastic boards would enable a rapid reopening at minimum cost.
He said: “A fixed price quote from Beaver Bridges in July 2026 indicated the surface could be completely replaced in 7 weeks for a cost of £35,950 including VAT.”
Finance and assets cabinet member Peter Jeffries (LD, Springbank) said he understands the frustration given how long the footbridge has been closed.
“It was closed for safety reasons by Gloucestershire County Council, the highway authority responsible for public footpaths,” he said.
“We have been working closely with the County Council to find a way to restore a usable route.
“In 2024 the County Council estimated the cost of repairing the bridge at £355,000 plus VAT, or replacing it at £900,000 plus VAT, subject to procurement. Neither was considered affordable, so other options were explored.”
He went on to say the most cost-effective option for the councils would be to close the footpath over the bridge and create a new adopted footpath running parallel to the Honeybourne Line to Sandy Lane.
Officers from both councils held a meeting with representatives of the Patesians Sports and Social Club early last month and the Coutny Council produced a proposed diversion route.
“Both councils are now obtaining costings for any additional works, and identifying the consents and approvals needed for an application to be led by the County Council to progress this,” Cllr Jeffires said in his response.
“I recognise that the Department for Transport has extended the closure only until 30 September 2027, and that local people have already waited a long time. A diversion must follow a legal process, which includes a period for objections.
“The relevant budgets must also be identified, and approvals obtained within both Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham Borough Council, so I can’t promise it will be in place by that date.
“However, I would like to offer some reassurance that the positive collaboration between all stakeholders is working to resolve these outstanding points.”
Speaking after the meeting, Chas Townley, of Open Spaces Society a campaign group that works to protect public rights of way, said he has concerns over the proposed diversion.
“It would divert it onto a very busy narrow road which has only got a pavement on one side which would force you to cross over the road twice to get to the park,” he said.
“I don’t think it has been particularly well thought through yet.”