Transport for Wales dismisses speculation footbridge could close permanently

Transport for Wales (TfW) has dismissed speculation that a railway footbridge in Llanbradach could be closed for good.

The footbridge, which goes over the Rhymney line, closed in April due to health and safety concerns, having reportedly been damaged three months earlier.

Llanbradach ward councillors Rob Gough and Colin Mann have both expressed concerns that the footbridge could be closed permanently.

However, after a virtual meeting with TfW, Caerphilly’s Senedd Member Hefin David said he was offered assurances that the footbridge would reopen in the future.

Dr David said: “Having viewed the damage to the footbridge, there can be no way the bridge should be reopened in its current condition.

“I’ve been asking for a range of options to be considered such as a full repair or replacement and have received assurances from Transport for Wales that work has been ongoing to consider these proposals.

“Due to the scale of work, a job of this kind will not be a quick fix.

“The key point to take away from my meeting with TfW is there is no intention from them to permanently remove the footbridge.”

Dr David reiterated there should be no compromise on public safety and that residents want a long-term solution to reopen the footbridge.

A TfW spokesperson said: “The structure is out of position currently sitting precariously on a displaced padstone. We cannot reopen the footbridge in this condition.

“We appreciate that this is an historic facility used by members of the community to access local woodlands, and we are doing everything we can to resolve this issue.

“We are in discussions with Caerphilly County Borough Council regarding a safe diversionary route for pedestrians and have submitted proposals, which could be implemented in days.”

Cllr Mann said: “We’re pleased that there are apparently no plans to permanently close the footbridge.

“However, I’m very disappointed that TfW, who I wrote to more than a week ago, has not had the courtesy to acknowledge or respond to the letter from myself and Cllr Gough.

“In addition, we need clarification about whether the footbridge actually needs to be replaced because we understand that the previous owners, Network Rail, did not raise issues about the condition of the bridge.

“Also, if TfW is to replace this bridge, we cannot wait many, many months or years for it to do so. That would be totally unacceptable to residents. Action is needed now.”

A petition to stop the bridge being closed permanently has been created by Cllr Mann and Cllr Gough and has gained more than 500 signatures in a week.