Pedestrian safety, discouraging walking, air pollution and lowering footfall to businesses are among the chief concerns of Durham residents following the announcement that a footbridge into the city will be pulled down. 

Earlier this month, Durham County Council told the public that Leazes Bridge, which crosses the A690, was earmarked for demolition after investigations found it was beyond repair. 

The bridge was closed to the public in July after a routine inspection uncovered structural issues that could have posed a danger to the public. 

But some residents of Claypath and Gilesgate were unhappy with the proposed demolition, urging the council to consider other options for the sake of locals, students, and businesses. 

The Northern Echo: Leazes foot bridge in Durham is to be demolished

A petition to 'Save Leazes Bridge' was set up by Gilesgate resident Debbie Hills, who lives close to the bridge. At the time of writing, it has garnered 126 signatures, 

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Debbie said: "This is the original medieval route that has always connected Gilesgate to the City of Durham. 

"There are hundreds of people that use it every day - it's a major thoroughfare. There's a big tradition of walking into Durham - residents enjoy the lovely walk in the city, children use the bridge to walk to school, and students into lectures.

"But without the bridge, it is infinitely more dangerous, They're reversing changes that were originally made for safety, after accidents involving pedestrians, particularly students, hit by cars trying to cross near the roundabout. People will have to cross the horrible A690. 

"The Council are cutting off the whole of the North East part of the city, which is damaging for lots of the permanent residents and students alike. For example, the GP practice is up here, and the walking diversion to it is far more lengthy."

A spokesperson for Durham County Council, said the organisation is "committed" to finding an alternative walking route, and is "progressing plans to introduce a pedestrian crossing at the existing traffic lights at the top of Leazes Road at Gilesgate Roundabout.”

But for residents, the issue is multifaceted - Gilesgate is reported to have worryingly high levels of pollution; data released last spring showed that levels of unhealthy air pollutant nitrogen dioxide exceeded the annual mean National Air Quality Objective of 40 µg/meter cubed. 

Locals worry that cars idling as they wait for pedestrians could see the situation worsening.

MP Mary Kelly Foy urged people to sign the petition started by Debbie, saying: "I'm shocked at the decision of Durham County Council to demolish the iconic Leazes footbridge without any plans to replace it.

"The bridge is not only a significant part of the character of Durham, but it's part of the historic route into the city down Claypath and an important way over the A690". 

A statement from the City of Durham Parish Council said: "While the City of Durham Parish Council recognises that a replacement bridge would be an ideal solution it also acknowledges the County Council's financial situation, as well as the very pressing need to secure a new Baths bridge, which offers no good alternative walking route if not repaired as soon as possible."

But Debbie was left "shocked" by the Parish Council's statement of approval. 

She, and the other residents who have signed her petition, have urged the Council to reconsider their decision, and have suggested less significant repairs be made, such as supporting the bridge with scaffolding, so that it is still usable until repairs or replacement are feasible. 

Recommended reading: 

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

Mark Readman, head of highways at Durham County Council, said: “Leazes Footbridge is being demolished on health and safety grounds after detailed examinations revealed it can no longer bear the weight of pedestrians. In such instances, action must be taken to protect the public.

“Repairing the footbridge was the first option we considered; however, the footbridge is beyond economical repair.

“Following the footbridge’s closure last July, we set up a dedicated webpage, www.durham.gov.uk/LeazesFootbridge, to keep the public informed and have briefed local ward members."