The Borough Road footbridge public inquiry has been brought to a close after four days of debate.
North Tyneside Council wants to demolish the bridge in North Shields claiming it would cost too much to repair and is infrequently used. However, this has been met with public outcry with many claiming the demolition would force the elderly or disabled to use more dangerous routes.
Many objectors also claim the bridge can still be repaired and estimates for its renovation were not accurate. The bridge connects Tennyson Terrace and Waldo street.
North Tyneside Council estimated restoration of the bridge would cost around £360,000 whereas demolition, would cost only £63,000.
Summarising, objector and retired engineer Duncan Summers said: "In summing up, I believe the public right of way has been sadly neglected and poorly maintained. It is still possible to restore the bridge with a competent contractor.
"It can have many more years of useful life and the council's response that there is no money available is a poor excuse. The demolition will disadvantage the elderly, the disabled, and those who push prams."
Vicki Gilbert, from the Tyne and Wear Public Transport Users Group, said: "We argue there are overwhelming reasons to maintain the bridge. The public right of way is significant for affording unique views of the river.
"And the existing public right of way supports the council's own health, traffic and environmental policies."
"If the inspector decides in favour to keep the right of way, we hope the council will respect that decision and find the funds to refurbish the bridge as they should have been doing over the years".
The council's legal representative, Piers Riley-Smith, summarised: "The simple and stark point is, the council has to manage its highways using funds and resources which are always under pressure. The council has a responsibility to spend its resources in the best way for the taxpayer."
Mr Riley-Smith continued and said the bridge was not frequently used and the alternative routes proposed by the council were safe and would not have a detrimental impact on people's journies.
Government Inspector Sue Arnott closed the inquiry on Thursday afternoon and will now consider the future of the bridge following all the submissions.
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