Outrage in beautiful UK village over plans to demolish 100-year-old bridge

Villagers in the pretty Hampshire village of are up in arms over plans to demolish a 100-year-old footbridge that is used by around 100 people each day. The population of the affluent hamlet, where house prices average £1 million, have hit out at after the public body proposed removing a concrete bridge near Martin's Road after it was judged to require £45,000 in repairs. Demolishing the structure would force locals and tourists onto a busy stretch of road in the national park, opponents to the proposal said, making it an "extremely hazardous" prospect and "an accident waiting to happen".

Chris and Bernadette Daniels are among Brockenhurst's 3,500-odd residents who were against the demolition plans when they were first put forward four years ago - and remain opposed to them now. The narrow structure is a crucial crossing point to the popular walking area of Black Knowl, they said, rubbishing Forestry England's claims that it would cost too much too repair.

"The bridge is used daily throughout the year by local people and visitors to the area, including walkers, dog walkers and runners," they told the Daily Echo.

"Records show a crossing has existed at this location for 100 years."

The couple said the alternative route to Black Knowl was via nearby Meerut Road and a bend that is "already extremely hazardous due to the amount of traffic and the excessive speed of vehicles".

"The cost of work required to meet safety requirements is trivial compared to the implications of pedestrians having to use Meerut Road at such a dangerous location," they added.

Hannah and Robin Martin, who live near the footbridge on Martin's Road, also warned that it was "an accident waiting to happen", especially since around 100 people crossed over it each day.

However, Forestry England insisted that the structure is "not fit for purpose and doesn't meet current safety standards for people or livestock".

"The bridge has been inspected and maintained over the years by Hampshire County Council and we're actively talking to them about its future," a spokesperson said. "Rebuilding the bridge to a suitable standard would cost around £45,000, which is unsustainable."

A council spokesperson added: "Martin's Road footbridge is situated within Forestry England land and not in a recorded Hampshire County Council public right of way. Decisions regarding the footbridge rest with Forestry England."