A TOWN is up in arms over plans to scrap an historic bridge and replace it with a steel counterpart over health and safety fears.
Residents in Stokesley in North Yorkshire have branded the move as ridiculous, while some have said they believe it is “health and safety gone bonkers."
A petition has since been launched in the town as many have called on the council to “keep it," arguing that it is part of Stokesley’s history.
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The bridge, which was constructed in the early 1900s after replacing stepping stones, is set to be replaced with a steel constructed bridge with handrails and parapets.
But taking to social media to air their anger, one resident said: “keep as is, bloody heath and safety crap, what next not allowed on stepping stones.
Another person said: “Keep! It’s been there for donkey years without a handrail. Health and safety gone bonkers.”
Many understand the danger of the so-called plank with some people having “near falls,” but have instead chalked it up to being their own fault.
Suggesting a remedial measure, one person said: “Should stay. Put a sign saying cross at own risk. Then it's covered. If someone fails it's their fault.”
Someone else added: “The plank needs to stay as it is. Let people use their own common sense as to whether they want to use it but it's part of Stokesley's heritage.”
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for Stokesley Council added that the purpose of the new bridge is to “ensure that everyone can access the riverside.”
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They said: “The focus for the installation of a new bridge is to ensure that everyone can access the riverside safely, providing a bridge that can be used by people with buggies and wheelchairs will enable them to visit the riverside without having to walk into the carriageway."
Meanwhile, Hambleton District Council has said the plan to improve the bridge is part of wider scheme “aimed at improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians at the River Leven in Stokesley.”
Jon Berry, chief planning officer for Hambleton District Council, said: “The replacement of the plank bridge in Stokesley was approved by HDC’s planning committee in December as part of a wider scheme aimed at improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians at the River Leven in Stokesley.
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“Prior to making the decision, members of the committee visited the site and inspected the plank bridge.
“They also fully considered the representations made expressing concerns about the replacement of the bridge, but concluded that the replacement would result in improved access for users, with the benefits of the replacement judged to outweigh the disadvantages.”
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