Campaigners warn of 'unsafe' new crossing near Durham A690 bridge

Leazes Footbridge in Durham City closed last year on health and safety grounds and was due to be demolished this month. 

Durham County Council said it could no longer bear the weight of pedestrians and cyclists, is beyond economical repair, and does not meet modern accessibility standards.

But campaigners argue the council’s judgement is wrong and the bridge should be saved. 

Debbie Hills led a ‘Saves Leazes Footbridge’ petition that was signed by more than 700 people. (Image: The Northern Echo)

In an announcement last week, the local authority halted all planned works and road closures indefinitely and said it would review its response to the petition. 

Debbie Hills, who led a ‘Saves Leazes Footbridge’ petition that was signed by more than 700 people, said the council pulled out at the eleventh hour after she watched demolition staff arrive at the bridge on the A690 at Gilesgate. 

Durham City’s MP Mary Kelly Foy said the local authority had “seen sense” in pausing the works - but a new pedestrian crossing has been branded a safety risk. 

The signalised crossing at the existing traffic lights on Gilesgate Roundabout provides a safe and accessible route across the A690, Durham County Council said, but campaigners disagree. 

Ms Hills said: “People have had near-misses already. Cars have not seen the red light and have sped through without seeing people on the crossing. 

“Drivers stop at the original set of traffic lights and when you sweep around the corner you are immediately confronted with another set of traffic lights, which you don’t see until the last minute. For people using the crossing, it can look like nobody is coming.”

It is hoped the council will consider the concerns while the demolition is paused. Ms Hills added: “The public overwhelmingly said that demolishing the bridge was a bad idea and the main complaint all along has been that a crossing there is unsafe.”

Leazes Footbridge in Durham City closed last year on health and safety grounds and was due to be demolished this month. (Image: The Northern Echo)

John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for highways and rural communities, said: “We have considered all options carefully and believe that the demolition of the footbridge and creation of a crossing at existing traffic lights a short distance away is the best solution. Not only does this provide a safe and accessible route across the A690 for everyone, but it offers the best value for money for taxpayers.”

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Last week’s Durham County Council statement added: “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.”