A COUNCILLOR has questioned the motive behind plans for a new river bridge in Warwick.
The proposed pedestrian and cycle bridge would link St Nicholas Park to Myton Fields over the Avon.
Coun John-Paul Bromley says he is concerned the bridge will only benefit pupils of Warwick School and have a negative impact on the landscape.
Warwick District Council’s executive committee approved plans to investigate the feasibility of a new bridge in February, which emerged following discussions with Warwickshire County Council and Historic England.
The council described the decision as ‘the first step in a process which will involve consulting with residents, visitors and other interested groups as well as liaising with local businesses’.
But the Labour councillor says there has been no update since then.
Coun Bromley said: “I felt it was important to follow-up on the consultation and viability study of the bridge.
“No proposal, no feasibility study and no rational has been put forward yet, and I am awaiting a response from the case workers involved.”
Coun Bromley is keen to get the opinion of residents regarding the plans – which could cost in excess of £4million, with the feasibility study alone coming in at around £60,000.
“I would like to hear from people who see the bridge as benefit, parents who feel it would make their children’s journey to school safer or to those who would consider cycling to Warwick Technology Park if the bridge was in place.”
Warwick District Council says the bridge would provide a safe access route into the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as creating a new landmark for the town.
District neighbourhood services spokeswoman Coun Moira-Ann Grainger said: “This is I understand, a Warwickshire County Council led project and has not advanced very far at all.
“I have seen no further reports on any feasibility work so would presume there is as yet nothing to bring forward for consultation.”
