Residents get relief as footbridge set to return

For around three months the removal of an unsafe railway footbridge has meant longer journeys for residents living near Watford.

But now, relief, after Network Rail confirmed the Oxhey Grange footbridge would be replaced with a temporary structure in late November or early December.

Welcoming the news, Stephen Giles-Medhurst, leader of Three Rivers District Council, said he would also ensure "the ancient woodland at Sherwoods Wood is protected".

The Oxhey Village Environment Group had complained that the community was being "cut in two" forcing residents, adding an extra mile to journeys.

Work is ongoing to plan and design a permanent replacement, with Network Rail saying it will hold a public meeting in November to update residents on the project's progress.

The previous footbridge had linked the Oxhey Grange area with residential streets on the other side of the West Coast Main Line since at least 1899.

It connected Oxhey Hall and Oxhey Village, which are separated by railway and the London Overground route to Euston.

The Liberal Democrat mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, who was also part of the campaign to save the link, said: "I am glad that Network Rail has listened to us and to residents and has decided to restore access over the railway while a more permanent replacement can be designed.

"This is an important route for many local residents and it is good that a temporary bridge is being installed in the next few weeks."

A Network Rail spokesperson thanked people for their patience, adding: "Pedestrians and cyclists can continue to cross over the railway safely via a diversionary route."

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