The next stage in the proposed removal of a bridge in North Shields gets underway this week.
A public consultation begins today (October 21) on the removal of the public footpath over Borough Road Bridge.
North Tyneside Council is planning to demolish the bridge as it’s underused and coming to the end of its serviceable life unless major maintenance work is carried out.
Following several consultation events and activities in recent years, the local authority received planning permission to demolish the bridge earlier in the year.
However, as part of the legal process, it must make an ‘order’, under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, for the removal of the Public Right of Way (PRoW) over the bridge and consult with residents and statutory bodies.
Speaking about the plans, Phil Scott, Head of Environment, Housing and Leisure, said: “We know from surveys carried out that the number of people using the bridge has
declined hugely over recent years and more people cross at ground level, which is why we installed a parallel crossing on Borough Road itself in 2019.
“Significant council investment would also be needed to maintain the bridge.
“As part of the legal process, we have now consulted with statutory bodies on the removal of the footpath and welcome any comments from the public.”
A copy of the order and the associated map may be seen on the council’s website here.
The consultation ends on November 18 and anyone wishing to comment should email graeme.clark@northtyneside.gov.uk.
A set of FAQs can be found here.
