Footbridge to be replaced after two-year closure

A footbridge that closed more than two years ago due to safety concerns is set to be replaced.

North Devon Council has received negative feedback from the public over the closure of the bridge that is part of a popular circular walk in the Whiddon Valley in Barnstaple.

Members of the council's strategy and resources committee heard on Monday the closure had also disadvantaged the environmental education of children from the nearby Orchard Vale Primary School.

A report from the council said there was no budget to do the work and the money would have to come from the parks earmarked reserve fund of £23,000.

Members had the choice of removing the bridge and steps which would cost £2,500, replacing with a timber bridge at £16,000 or a steel bridge at £21,000, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The western bank of the stream belongs to North Devon Council, with the eastern bank belonging to Pearce Construction, which it is understood declined to contribute toward the cost.

However, the firm did say that it would be willing to convey its land to North Devon Council, subject to the council paying the transfer fees.

An inspection carried out on the 35-year-old bridge in early 2024, found rotten beams.

The council did not approve a temporary repair to reopen it at the time. Estimated costs were £12,000 and £54 per week in scaffolding hire fees.

Councillor Josh Rutty told committee members the bridge and woodland were good community assets and enhanced the environment for the people of Westacott, who would be disadvantaged if the bridge was not replaced.

Councillors agreed taking over the land made sense as it was looking after it anyway.

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