Replacement bridge would be a 'metal monstrosity'
ANGRY residents have hit out at highways chiefs who want to replace a picturesque wooden bridge with a "metal monstrosity".
People in Pode Hole are upset at proposals to build a 150,000 metal bridge to replace Jobson’s Bridge, off Clay Drove, saying they were not consulted and that it will spoil the landscape.
Resident Jennifer Stokes said: “When we found out what they were planning we were totally horrified.
“At the moment we have got a beautiful bridge which is a feature of the landscape. This metal monstrosity is going to totally overwhelm the area and will absolutely ruin its appearance and character.”
Lincolnshire County Council’s highways team became concerned about the bridge’s safety after finding rot in the main support beams.
Client services manager Dave Walton says the bridge is beyond repair and, with three piers in the water, deterioration will be inevitable if wood is used.
It says it informed Pinchbeck Parish Council of the plans in November and has provided interested residents with further details.
The bridge has no historical protection and is not in a conservation area so the replacement falls under highways maintenance duties and does not need planning permission.
Mr Walton said: “The new design will bring a number of benefits to the community. The new bridge will be more accessible, particularly for disabled users.
“It will also be easier to maintain, making the bridge safer and less prone to vandalism.”
Similar designs have been used throughout the county, including at Four Mile Bar Footbridge over the River Welland, near Spalding.
Keen fisherman Chris Crew says the public consultation was “cursory” and feels it is similar to the controversial approach to road alterations made in New Road in Spalding.
He says the appearance of the bridge “adds immeasurably” to his enjoyment of fishing there and is concerned about the possibility of a “soulless replacement”.
Work is set to start in September and will last eight weeks. The new bridge will be next to the existing structure, which will be kept open while construction is carried out.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Spalding
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
