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Brockenhurst residents fight new plan to demolish footbridge Residents have launched a new battle to save a footbridge that connects their village to a popular walking area in the New Forest. The bridge, which spans a river near Martin's Road in Brockenhurst, is used by people going to and from the Black Knowl area. Plans to demolish the narrow concrete structure were shelved four years ago after sparking a public outcry. But the proposal has now been revived, with Forestry England claiming the bridge is unsafe and would cost too much to repair. Villagers battling to save it include Chris and Bernadette Daniels, of Martin's Road, who claim its removal would result in the loss of an important local asset. READ MORE: Forestry England could impose parking charges in the New Forest They said: "The bridge is used daily throughout the year by local people and visitors to the area, including walkers, dog walkers, and runners. "It's on the footpath route to Black Knowl and is constantly used by people at Holland's Wood campsite, which is managed by Forestry England. "Records show a crossing has existed at this location for 100 years." The couple said the removal of the bridge would result in pedestrians, including those with children or dogs, having to negotiate a sharp bend near the Cloud Hotel in nearby Meerut Road. "The bend is already extremely hazardous due to the amount of traffic and the excessive speed of vehicles. "Budgetary pressures on entities such as Forestry England are fully recognised and the need to reduce costs understood. However, the bridge is fundamentally sound. "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." Fellow campaigners include Hannah Foster and her husband Robin, who also live in Martin's Road. Hannah said: "We're very concerned about the removal of the footbridge. It would mean we have to access the Forest via Meerut Road - it's an accident waiting to happen." Her husband said the crossing was probably used by at least 100 people a day. A Forestry England spokesperson added: "The bridge has been inspected and maintained over the years by Hampshire County Council and were actively talking to them about its future. "It's not fit for purpose and doesnt meet current safety standards for people or livestock. Rebuilding the bridge to a suitable standard would cost around £45,000, which is unsustainable. A county council spokesperson said: "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." Please byline: Simon Czapp/Solent News © Simon Czapp/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800

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