Delays to opening a new footbridge over train tracks in Stockport are down to a ‘cock up’ between rail and council bosses, it has been claimed. The replacement bridge, which connects Thomson Street and King Street West, is a key part of a Bee Network Scheme to improve walking and cycling links connecting Edgeley and Stockport town centre.
Providing a segregated route for those travelling by bike or on foot, the five-metre wide structure has been in place since September - but has remained boarded up ever since. Network Rail chiefs say delays in designing and installing the lighting on the bridge - as well as the impact of railway strikes - are behind the setback, but they hope to have the crossing open next month.
But furious Edgeley councillor Matt Wynne says residents need to know for certain when it will finally open to the public. He said: “It appears the designs for lighting on the bridge have only just been agreed and submitted. This should have been sorted out many many months ago and there has been a cock up here between the council and Network Rail.”
READ MORE : Hundreds of homes could be coming to vacant Sainsbury’s site
Coun Wynne claims Network Rail have been ‘as usual beyond accountability’ for the situation. “It's turned into a debacle given it's nearly three years to the day since the previous bridge was decommissioned, further aggravating the severance points between Edgeley and the town centre,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“Edgeley residents want to know the date when this bridge will be open for public use given the railway station used to cut through to town is increasingly being shut due to industrial action.” Coun Wynne, who now sits as an independent after quitting Labour, is also unhappy with the design of the bridge claiming it looks like something from Mad Max: Beyond The Thunderdome.
“Maybe they can get Tina Turner down to open it once we get a date,” he said. And he added that the caging to stop people throwing things onto the tracks is an affront to Edgeley residents.
“It is quite insulting really that Network Rail think people round here are capable of that,” said Coun Wynne. who also said that opening the bridge would ‘take the strain’ off hard working station staff.
A Network Rail spokesperson has apologised for the setback in opening the bridge. They said: "Delays in designing and installing the lighting on the new railway crossing, along with the impact of continuing railway strikes, mean it’s been unable to open as initially expected. We thank people for their patience and hope to get the new bridge in use by the start of December.”
A spokesperson for Stockport council said: “The new bridge will provide an upgraded link across the railway line at Edgeley for pedestrians and cyclists. The previous bridge had to be demolished due to serious safety concerns and thanks to funding that became available, in partnership with Network Rail, we were able to upgrade the bridge so it meets our ambitious plans to boost walking and cycling in our borough.
“We have informed Cllr Wynne of the delays as the project has progressed and we are looking forward to it opening early next month.”
READ NEXT:
