Delight as footbridge saved after community outcry

A footbridge which stretches over a busy city centre route has been saved, following concern losing it would impact schoolchildren and commuters.

National Highways originally planned to remove the 58-year-old Wyndham Road pedestrian bridge in Salisbury, Wiltshire, as part of a £23m package of works on the A36.

But a spokesperson said they had listened to feedback from locals and decided to upgrade the structure rather than remove it.

Salisbury City councillor Sharon Rideout, who campaigned to save the bridge, said she was "absolutely delighted" and added: "They [National Highways] listened, they heard and they developed an understanding of the needs of our local community."

The Wyndham Road pedestrian bridge crosses over the A36, connecting the bottom of Wordsworth Road with the top of Wyndham Road.

"It is a vital link for our city," Rideout explained.

"Salisbury was cut in half in the 1960s when the A36 was put in and this footbridge is a link for children going to school, for people living and working in Salisbury and for using the facilities within the city centre.

"Without it [the bridge], people would have to use the underpasses, which aren't the most attractive and very inaccessible for those with disabilities," she added.

In November, 200 people gathered at Salisbury's Guildhall to make a plea for the bridge to stay.

National Highways said plans were now being developed to replace the Wyndham Road pedestrian bridge, along with the nearby Victoria Road footbridge.

The works will make the bridges more accessible and less vulnerable to tall vehicles, it said.

Chris Hilldrup, National Highways route manager, said: "We do understand the importance of the footbridge as an A36 crossing point, and after listening to the community's feedback, we've looked again at all options and will now be upgrading both structures."

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