By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There is frustration that a Gloucester footbridge popular with dog walkers has been closed for months.
The bridge between Nene Close and Highclere Road in Quedgeley was closed after being deemed structurally unsafe.
The situation is “frustrating” according to one resident who contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“This is a well used path used by dog walkers and people on recreational walks and people walking towards town,” they said.
Initially, there was confusion over who was responsible for the bridge as it links a footpath which is not currently on the official register of public rights of way despite decades of use.
Councillor Liam Harries (LD, Quedgeley Severn Vale) has now established that the responsibility for the bridge lies with Gloucester City Council and he is pressing for action to secure its future.
A structural engineer is being appointed to inspect the bridge and assess its condition and an investigation will help determine whether it can be repaired or if a full replacement will be required.
Cllr Harries said: “Residents have been raising concerns with me for some time about the closure of this bridge.
“While the alternative route is relatively short at around 177 metres long, many residents understandably want to see this reopened.
“However, before we could move forward, we first had to establish exactly who was responsible, as there was considerable confusion between many different organisations.”
He went on to say he is pleased that city council officers are actively working to identify the best way forward.
“The appointment of a structural engineer is an important step because it will give us a clear understanding of the bridge’s condition and what work is required to reopen it,” he said.
However, he stressed that funding constraints could affect timescales.
“I also want to be honest with residents about the challenges,” he said.
“Given the council’s financial issues due to long term insufficiencies in budget controls and monitoring, we need to make sure that spending is accounted for within the annual budget. The funding for a replacement bridge isn’t available in the current budget.”
“Until engineers have completed their inspections, we won’t know whether we’re looking at a relatively straightforward repair or a much more costly replacement. That assessment will be crucial in determining both the costs involved and how quickly the work can be delivered.”
Councillor Harries is also pushing to secure investment for bridges as part of future budget discussions.
“I’ve been pushing for funding to be allocated in the next council budget because these bridges are an important community asset,” he said.
“Residents deserve safe, accessible routes and I will continue working with officers to make the strongest possible case for investment.”
Concerns have also been raised regarding two nearby bridges at Merlin Drive and Bentley Close, where erosion around the approaches to the bridges has created trip hazards.
“Officers are currently investigating whether some small works can be carried out to improve safety at these locations.
“I’ve asked officers to carry out work to reduce the trip hazards at the other bridges, this should be a quicker and easier fix as it’s minor work in comparison to the closed bridge and may be able to fall within current budgets.”