Wrangling councils close popular footbridge

A dispute about who should pay for repairs to a footbridge across the River Lea has led to the closure of the watercrossing on safety grounds.

The bridge forms part of National Cycle Route 61 and links two parts of Hartham Common. The bridge was installed by Sustrans when the cycle path was originally opened but ownership has never been formally established or agreed.

The condition of the bridge has been deteriorating over recent years, with temporary wooden and plastic panels put in place to prevent accidents.

East Herts District Council is responsible maintaining the land on either side of the bridge. However, they claim the bridge is the responsibility of the county council.

The District Council have been in discussion with their colleagues at the county council, but HCC have refused to allocate funds to repair the bridge.

Commenting on the closure, county councillor Ben Crystall said: "To say I'm furious at our councils is an understatement. I’ve just written to CEOs and leaders at both councils to ask that this pettiness stops.

"This utter failure from our councils has got to stop."

Update

Leader of Hertfordshire County Council Cllr. Richard Roberts has responded to concerns about the bridge closure, saying: "Tomorrow senior officers will agree a repair plan. I have asked that what needs doing is not beholden on the ownership or the cost so that the down time of the bridge is kept to a bare minimum.

Linda [Haysey, Leader of East Herts Council] and I are sorry at the inconvenience caused and a soon as we know more we will be in touch."