Work to demolish a Durham City footbridge has been paused. 

Leazes Footbridge was closed last year on health and safety grounds. 

Durham County Council planned to start work on the demolition this month after it said multiple surveys determined it could no longer bear the weight of pedestrians and cyclists.

Investigations also revealed the footbridge is beyond economical repair and does not meet modern accessibility standards, it was claimed. 

But campaigners argue the council’s judgement is wrong and the bridge should be saved. A ‘Saves Leazes Footbridge’ petition was signed by more than 700 people. 

Previously planned road and footpath closures throughout August will also be paused. 

The local authority said it will now review its response to the campaign. 

A ‘Saves Leazes Footbridge’ petition was signed by more than 700 people. A ‘Saves Leazes Footbridge’ petition was signed by more than 700 people. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Announcing the decision on Wednesday, a statement read: “Work to demolish Leazes Footbridge in Durham City has been paused after we received a request to review our response to the petition opposing the demolition.

“Road and footpath closures due to take place this month and in September have also been put on hold while we further assess the position.

“The request to review the petition will be considered in accordance with our Petition Scheme.”

Reacting to the news, Mary Kelly Foy MP said: “Durham County Council have seen sense and have paused the demolition of Leazes footbridge. 

“Thanks to everyone who got involved and challenged this decision. I've been proud to work with you on this campaign, and I'll be with you as we fight to get it reversed in full!”

It comes after the City of Durham MP issued a last-ditch attempt to stop the demolition last week by writing to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and asking for help and advice.

Ms Foy argued that residents have found the decision-making process opaque, the local authority’s actions wilfully obstructive to those wishing to raise concerns, and the decision itself based on fatally flawed evidence.

“Despite this, and the unnecessary cost to the public purse being pointed out to the local authority, the council has doubled down, and now seems to be seeking ways to ensure that residents have no route to object to this decision,” the Labour MP said. 

Campaigners say the repair would cost around £1 million and is the significantly cheaper option for the bridge, with the ability to extend its life for at least another 20 years.

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A signalised pedestrian crossing at the existing traffic lights on Gilesgate Roundabout has been created in its place. However, concerns have also been raised about the safety of pedestrians crossing the busy city centre road. 

Durham County Council said the new crossing will provide a safe and accessible route across the A690.

Last week, John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for highways and rural communities, said: “All decisions relating to the closure and demolition of Leazes Footbridge have been based on expert engineering and financial advice.”