Footbridge Removal Could be 'Recipe for Chaos'

3.57.41pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jul 2008

The removal of the Manton Lane footbridge could be a recipe for traffic chaos, the Lib Dems have warned

Bedford Modern School plans to remove the footbridge over Manton Lane and replace it with a toucan crossing. Liberal Democrat Councillors have responded to the news with a warning that a crossing could increase the existing congestion along the busy stretch of road.

The school plans to complete the removal of the bridge and its replacement with a crossing by 1st September. The reason for the proposed demolition of the bridge is the cost of the improvements needed to make the bridge compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Commenting on the news, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Brickhill Ward Charles Royden said: "Traffic in Manton Lane is already very congested at times and I am concerned that replacing the bridge with a toucan crossing could make it worse. Clearly it is essential that the arrangements comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. We need a solution that does not amount to a recipe for traffic chaos, however. All possible answers to the problem should be investigated. I want to see if it is possible to keep the bridge."