Walkers criticise move to close 'unsafe' footbridge

Walkers are objecting to the National Trust's planning application for spiked railings at a Cheshire beauty spot to prevent access to a wooden footbridge controversially closed on safety grounds.

The railings and gate were installed around the bridge at Quarry Bank in Styal last year after the charity said it had become dangerous.

But after a planning application submitted last month revealed the gates had been installed without permission, a campaign has begun to Save Giant's Castle Bridge, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In a statement to Cheshire East Council, the National Trust said the bridge presented an "unacceptable safety risk" and would cost more than £1m to replace.

Walkers, however, believe the bridge has stood the test of time and should remain open.

They say the spikes have prevented them from accessing a popular route along the River Bollin from Quarry Bank Mill to the western end of the estate near the Airport Inn.

Previous calls have been made to completely replace the bridge.

Richard Smith said he had complained to the council's planning enforcement team.

"The National Trust claims the bridge was closed in the interest of public safety, however, more than one year later, the bridge is still very much standing," he said.

"The closure was widely condemned by the public, with an online petition to keep the bridge open quickly gaining 4,500-plus signatures.

"A Save Giant's Castle Bridge group on Facebook currently has 600-plus members."

Smith also suggested the large-spiked metal barriers damaged the bridge's character.

Complaints have also been made to the council's planning portal.

"The bridge has been an established and well-used part of the landscape for decades and forms an important feature of the Styal conservation area," one resident commented.

"Rather than permanently restricting public access, every effort should be made to preserve this historic crossing and restore safe access."

Another said: "As a National Trust member, I strongly believe money should be put towards repairing or appropriately replacing the bridge so that public access can be restored."

In its statement, the National Trust said that since the closure of the bridge did not require planning permission, it "should not form a consideration" as a factor in their ongoing application for the gates.

It said the only considerations in its application should be the local environmental impact and the maintenance of public safety.

"The gates are required only to ensure that unauthorised access to the unsafe structure does not take place, in order to ensure visitor safety," the trust said.

"The gates have minimal visual and physical impact on the surrounding landscape, woodland, wildlife and heritage, and represent a reversible and low-key intervention, necessary to address a clear safety risk."

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