Calls for clarity on future of 'unsafe' footbridge

Campaigners say they want clarity over the future of a 19th Century pedestrian footbridge which has been closed for safety reasons since July.

Work began on 24 August to remove Oxhey Grange bridge over the West Coast mainline in Watford after a Network Rail inspection found it was unsafe.

A spokesperson for the Oxhey Village Environment Group (OVEG) said: "The impact is that a section of our community is cut in two, and residents including those less physically able are forced to add an extra mile on to their journey."

A Network Rail spokesperson said it was "finalising plans to safely remove the existing bridge, and developing the methodology for its replacement".

The bridge has linked the Oxhey Grange area of Watford and residential streets on the other side of the railway since at least 1899.

It connects Oxhey Hall and Oxhey Village which are separated by the West Coast mainline and the London Overground running towards Euston.

The OVEG spokesperson added: "The bridge is an important connection for our residents, many of whom use it on a daily basis for commuting and recreational purposes.

"The nearest crossing is the Watford Heath road bridge, which looks close as the crow flies, but is quite a slog if you are reliant on travelling by foot."

The Liberal Democrat Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, and the leader of Three Rivers District Council, Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, said they want Network Rail to replace the footbridge, which borders both council areas.

Taylor said: "This is a really important bridge for families taking children to Bromet School and while it was right to act quickly to remove the bridge, we need similar swift action to ensure it is replaced."

Bromet School has about 270 pupils who are due to return to class in September.

Giles-Medhurst added: "Network Rail needs to confirm when the bridge will be replaced. This is a vital route for local residents, who can't be left with the uncertainty of if or when it will be returned."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "As part of our ongoing work to keep the West Coast mainline safe and reliable, we are bringing forward work on Oxhey Grange footbridge after routine inspections showed it had deteriorated more quickly than expected.

"Diversionary routes are in place for pedestrians and cyclists, and we would like to thank the local users of the bridge for their understanding."

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